Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.625 fol. 61r

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1) Poemen of Egypt: Scene, praying -- Within cross-surmounted hermitage, Poemen of Egypt, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, with joined hands raised, kneeling before altar, on which is cross on base.
2) Poemen of Egypt: Scene, giving letter to Sister -- Outside the hermitage, Poemen of Egypt, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, extending letter with right hand to extended left hand of woman.
3) Poemen of Egypt: Scene, judging of Nephew -- To far right, group of four helmeted soldiers, at least three holding banners decorated with heraldry (saltires?), behind man, kneeling, with wrists chained and led by right hand of the foremost soldier, all before judge, wearing cap, with right hand holding rule, seated on draped chair on platform.
Scenes in common landscape.
Illustration of Rufinus of Aquileia, De Vitis Patrum, Chapter 20.