Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 6r

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Miniature, left compartment: 1) Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, dining with Priest -- Before mouth of cave and beside stream, Benedict of Montecassino, nimbed, wearing hooded habit, with hands extends food toward priest wearing cap and vestments, raising food to mouth with right hand, both sit on ground, on which are dish, platter of food, two knives, water-bottle, and two covered baskets. Scene in hilly landscape with two wild goats amid trees and bushes. Miniature, right compartment: 2) Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, Priest arriving with Food -- To right, Benedict of Montecassino, nimbed, wearing surplice over monk’s habit, kneels on ground before mound of earth, and holds open book with pseudo-inscriptions. To right, priest, wearing cap and vestments, holds covered baskets on right arm and left hand, and carries water-bottle suspended from staff on right shoulder. Scene in landscape with three lions on hill in background. Miniature within frame for Chapter 1 of Book II of Dialogues; Priest visits starving Benedict of Montecassino and brings him food on Easter. Scenes read from right to left.