Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.1093 fol. 99r

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, nimbed, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus inscribed INRI. Mary Magdalen, nimbed, kneeling, embraces base of the cross with both arms. Flanking the cross are two theives, wearing short loin cloths, bound to tau crosses. To left, two Holy Women, nimbed, veiled, one with draped left hand touching her face and the other with joined hands raised, stand behind Evangelist John, nimbed, supporting with both hands Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, swooning. To right are other witnesses, including three men wearing pointed hats, gesturing, one wearing armor, and helmeted soldiers with spears. Scene in landscape with rocky hills, trees, and distant city of Jerusalem reflected in lake. Above are sun and moon and stars.
Margins with foliate ornament, with half-medallions enclosing foliate ornament. Inhabiting medallion in lower margin is fantastic animal with protruding tongue. Baguette with foliate and geometric design on sides and bottom of miniature and textblock.