Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.167 fol. 102r

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, cross-nimbed, with eyes closed and crown of thorns on inclined head, in loin cloth, bleeding from wounds, is attached with three nails to cross, with titulus inscribed INRI, above skull on ground. He is flanked above by sun and crescent moon, and by two thieves, with arms bound over tau-crosses, the right thief blindfolded.
At left, Virgin Mary, veiled, swoons in arms of Evangelist John before two Holy Women and Mary Magdalen, wearing red garment under blue mantle, in profile, embracing cross; all are nimbed.
At right stands group of soldiers in armor and three male figures, several with spears, one with shield.
Scene in landscape setting with trees, lake, and city of Jerusalem in background.
In lower margin (bas-de-page), ape and peacock displaying tail.
Margins decorated with foliate border of acanthus leaves, flowers, grapes, strawberries, and two birds (one piercing breast).