Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 72r

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1) Sabas of Jerusalem: Scene, removing Thorn from Lion’s Paw -- In foreground, lion raising right paw to hands of Sabas of Jerusalem, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, seated on ground.
2) Sabas of Jerusalem: Scene, Lion leading Ass to Water -- In background center, bridled ass lead by rope held in jaws of lion, both before arched opening of cave in which is seated Sabas of Jerusalem, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, with both hands on lap.
3) Sabas of Jerusalem: Scene, Sin of Flavius -- At upper right, Flavius of Syria, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, reclining and embracing woman. In foreground, lion biting underside of ass, laying on its back, bleeding from wounds.
Scenes in common landscape.
Illustration of Cyril of Scythopolis, Life of Sabas, Chapter 49.