Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.167 fol. 110r

See more information »

Scene, Liturgical: Obsequies -- Tonsured priest, wearing chasuble, stands before chalice and open book on altar with retable depicting Crucifixion. He is flanked by two tonsured priests, one kneeling. In foreground, bier, draped with patterned and cross-inscribed pall, is flanked by four lit candles in candlesticks on ground, beside four tonsured clerics, wearing copes, chanting before lectern. In background, two male mourners in black robes sit before patterned fabric.
Scene in church with lancet windows and rib vaults, all within arched gold frame.
In lower margin (bas-de-page), skeleton personifying death holds spear in right hand before male figure falling over backwards in fright.
Margins decorated with foliate border of acanthus leaves, flowers, including rose and dianthus, and plants, including squash, and cock.