Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 7r

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Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, with the Blackbird -- In mouth of cave, Benedict of Montecassino, nimbed, wearing hooded habit, sits on step with open book on lap, raising right hand to head, below devil in guise of blackbird or raven, flying away from him. Scene in hilly landscape with stream with two foxes and buildings, including one with cross-surmounted tower, and a cross-surmounted church in background. Miniature within frame for beginning of Chapter 2 of Book II of Dialogues; A Devil in guise of a blackbird torments Benedict of Montecassino with thoughts of the flesh.