Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Poème sur la Passion
France, Rouen, ca. 1530
MS M.147 fol. 10r

See more information »

Christ: in Gethsemane -- Christ, cross-nimbed with rays, kneels beside rock in Garden of Gethsemane, with joined hands raised, looking up toward cloudy arc of heaven out of which emerges half-figure of God, nimbed, wearing tiara, with draped left hand holding cross-surmounted globe and with right hand raised in blessing. In foreground, Apostle Peter, with sword cradled in left arm, Evangelist John and another apostle, possibly Apostle James, all with nimbi, with eyes closed, and recline on rocks (sleeping). In background, group of soldiers holding spears and torches, enter under arbor, led by Judas. Scene in landscape. Framed text block of 15 lines is suspended from tree branch over arbor and path on which walk three men, possibly the pilgrims of the poem, in foreground. Trees and foliage forming arch over scene; miniature within architectural frame.