Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 88v

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1) Onuphrius of Egypt: Scene, Death and Burial -- At left, cross-surmounted hermitage and hexagonal fountain with two animal head spouts issuing water, beside palm tree. Outside the hermitage, Onuphrius of Egypt, nimbed, eyes closed, body covered in hair, arms crossed on breast, emanating rays, and laying supine on ground. Above him, nimbed and nude soul borne to heaven by half-figure of Christ, cross-nimbed, surrounded by half-figures of nimbed angels, with joined hands raised, all within arc of heaven. At his feet, two lions dig grave before Paphnutius of Egypt, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, and holding tau-staff.
2) Paphnutius of Egypt: Scene, meeting Timothy and Companions -- At far right, Paphnutius of Egypt, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, embracing one of two nimbed men, one Timothy the Hermit, both wearing identical dress, accompanied by at least four other men or pilgrims (most with only nimbi visible), at upper right cross-surmounted monastery on hill.
Scenes in common landscape amid trees.
Illustration of Paphnutius, Life of Onuphrius, Parts 23, 24, and 25.