Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 79r

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Crucifixion, Three Crosses, with Virgin Mary, Evangelist John, Longinus, and Mary Magdalen -- Christ, rays as nimbus, with closed eyes, wearing crown of thorns and loincloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus inscribed INRI. He is flanked by two thieves, bound to tau-crosses with broken arms. Above are sun and moon.
Below at left, Evangelist John, nimbed, is behind Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, with hands crossed. Longinus, wearing hat, with spear pierces Christ's side, which spouts blood toward Longinus's eye. Another soldier holds on to the spear with one hand. Veronica of Rome, wearing headdress, holds veil with face of Christ, rays as nimbus.
Below at right, Longinus of Jerusalem (centurion), wearing hat, mounted on horse, indicates Christ with right forefinger, beside scroll that reads, DOMINE LABIA MEA APERIES. Beside him is man, wearing hat, mounted on horse, raising right forefinger. Mary Magdalen, nimbed, kneels with arms around shaft of the cross.
In background are crowd of soldiers (for most, only tops of heads visible) and two women, veiled.
Scene in landscape setting with buildings on hills in distance.
Ends of scroll are held by two putti below scene. Scroll is inscribed DOMINE LABIA MEA APERIES.