Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gospel book
Austria, probably in the monastery of Seitenstetten, between 1225 and 1275
MS M.808 fol. 29v

See more information »

Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, holding with left hand scroll inscribed PROTEGO VIVENTES SALVABO VOS MORIENTES, and scepter with right hand, is seated on cushioned throne, below arch inscribed EFFICE P(L)AC(A)TUM NOBIS CASTI(SSI)MA N(A)TUM, decorated with architectural ornament, feet on footstool. On her lap, Christ Child, pearled, crossed nimbus, raising right hand in blessing, holding book with left hand, is seated with legs crossed. At left, Henry I of Seitenstetten, abbot, inscribed HEINRICVS PRESPITER, tonsured, wearing cope, grasping with right hand scroll inscribed SIT LIBER ISTE PIA TIBI GRATVS UI(R)GO MARIA, and holding book with left hand, looks up at her. At right woman inscribed CHVNEGVNDIS, wearing berbette and fur-lined mantle, with hands raised, looks up toward Mary.