Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 92v

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Abraham of Edessa: Scene, Temptation -- Horned and winged devil, with claw feet, issuing flames from mouth and hindquarters, leaning on cross-surmounted cell of Abraham of Edessa, as half-figure, nimbed, with hands raised, possibly kneeling, before draped altar on which is cross on base.
Outside of the cell, Abraham of Edessa, nimbed, seated before low table spread with cup and pitcher, confronted by devil in guise of woman, horned, winged, issuing flames from mouth, raising right hand.
At far right, Abraham of Edessa, nimbed, with left hand gathering garment and with right hand raised toward idol of nude man, horned, holding flaming torch, mounted on column.
Scenes in common landscape framed by two trees.
Illustration of Life of Abraham and Mary of Edessa.