Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 79v

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Athanasius, Patriarch: Scene, teaching -- Patriarch Athanasius, nimbed, mitered, wearing vestments, seated on draped faldstool of the animal type, with both hands extended toward Antiochus, kneeling with joined hands raised, looking back over left shoulder.
At right, Christ, cross-nimbed, with both hands extended, surrounded by groups of men and tonsured monks, kneeling at His feet, and by nimbed nun, veiled with wimple, kneeling with joined hands raised, touched from behind by nimbed, flying angel, lowering hands to her shoulders, all possibly representing Personification of Piety, beside winged and horned devil, with claw feet, grasping helmet of and seated on shoulder of soldier, with right hand holding dagger and with left hand holding shield, possibly representing Personifications of Lust or Fornication.
Scenes in common landscape.
Illustration of Patriarch Athanasius, Doctrina Ad Antiochum Ducem.