Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Bourges, ca. 1473
MS M.677 fol. 22v

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Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- Christ, rayed cross as nimbus, partially nude, wounds visible, holds bannered cross-staff in right hand and, with left hand, grasps hand of Adam, nude, stepping from sarcophagus. Behind him is Eve, nude, standing at entrance to cave, from which emerges crowd of figures. Above entrance of cave, three devils emerge from behind rocky outcropping. A fourth devil stands on outcropping, arms raised. In background is partial-view of landscape with hill surmounted by building.