Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 65v

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Pachomius of Egypt: Scene, praying and assailed by Demons -- At left, within hermitage, Pachomius of Egypt, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, with joined hands raised, kneeling before draped altar on which is cross on base.
To right, outside the hermitage, half-figure of nimbed and flying angel, with right hand holding instrument prodding group of flying, horned, and winged devils, with claw feet, some issuing flames from mouths and hindquarters.
At far right, Pachomius of Egypt, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, eyes possibly closed, seated on rock with joined hands raised to right cheek, assailed from behind by horned and winged devil, with claw feet, possibly extending one hand to the Pachomius, with left hand raised.
Scenes in common landscape.
Scenes read left to right.
Illustration of Rufinus of Aquileia, De Vitis Patrum, Chapter 35.