Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1470
MS M.73 fol. 17r

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Christ: Pietà -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple, with hands clasped, is seated, body of Christ, rays as nimbus, bleeding from wounds, wearing loincloth, lies across her lap. They are flanked by Evangelist John, nimbed, with joined hands, and by Mary Magdalen, nimbed, extending covered ointment jar with right hand, both kneeling. Tau-cross with illegible titulus is behind them. Grassy mound and trees in background. Beginning of prayer to the Virgin, O intemerata. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including daisy and viola, and inhabited by dragon (?) head turned, pecking back.