Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 73r

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1) Sabas of Jerusalem: Scene, appearing to Romulus -- Beneath arch and behind gate, draped altar on which is cross on base and Romulus of Damascus, left hand raised toward extended right hand of Sabas of Jerusalem, both nimbed, tonsured, and wearing monk’s habits, the Sabas with left hand extended toward two hooded thieves, departing, the foremost with dagger fastened to waist.
2) Sabas of Jerusalem: Scene, Miracle of healing Brothers of Burirai -- In center, Sabas of Jerusalem, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, with left hand raised, standing behind draped bed on which are two tonsured monks, wearing monk’s habits, both partly draped. To right, ladder propped on pine tree.
3) Sabas of Jerusalem: Scene, Miracle of healing Camel -- At far right, Sabas of Jerusalem, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, kneeling, with both hands extended to roped bridle of camel, kneeling, with coffer or box on strap fastened to hump. Both in hilly landscape from behind which emerges man, possibly soldier, wearing helmet over hood, with right hand lowered toward the scene.
Scenes in common landscape.
Illustration at end of Cyril of Scythopolis, Life of Sabas, for Chapters 78, 79, and 81.