Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 91r

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1) Abraham of Edessa: Scene, in City of Pagans -- Abraham of Edessa, nimbed, with left hand raised to cheek, walks before three columns on which are three idols, one of nude man, wearing hat and sash draped over body, two are hybrid men or demons, with winged ears, both holding scepters. To right, within temple, two groups of kneeling men, and possibly some women (most with only heads visible), at least four with joined hands raised, flanking idol of nude man, with right hand holding gold disc and with left hand holding scepter, on base.
2) Abraham of Edessa: Scene, assailed by Pagans -- In center, Abraham of Edessa, nimbed, with joined hands raised, kneeling, and bent over, is assailed by group of six men, one wearing hat, raising stone with right hand, the others raising fists over or toward the Abraham (two with only heads visible).
3) Abraham of Edessa: Scene, breaking Idol -- At far right, within temple, Abraham of Edessa, nimbed, with both hands holding pickaxe before idol of nude man, with right hand raising scepter, on base. Above on the roof, half-figure of man.
Scenes in common landscape amid trees and framed by two trees.
Illustration at beginning of Life of Abraham and Mary of Edessa.