Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Egmont breviary
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1440
MS M.87 fol. 231r

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Column, right: Christ: Ascension -- Christ, emitting rays, disappears behind clouds, showing lower part of legs and feet, above two flying angels holding scroll inscribed UIRI GALILEI QUID AMMIRAMINI ASPI(CIENTES) above Virgin Mary, nimbed, partly veiled, and thirteen apostles (most with only nimbi visible), including Apostle Peter, at least four with joined hands raised, all kneeling, flanking footprints on mound. Scene in hilly and grassy landscape with city buildings in background. Miniature for beginning of Vespers for Ascension Sunday, Acts of the Apostles 01:01. Initial P enclosing Apostle Paul, nimbed, possibly seated, with joined hands holding blanks scroll; against patterned background. Margins decorated on three sides with scrolling floreate and foliate decoration, including strawberry, inhabited by half figures of two prophets, emerging from cloudy arcs of heaven, holding scrolls inscribed UIRI GALILEI and HIC IHESUS EST Q(UI) ASSU(M)P(TUS).