Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Spain, perhaps Burgos or Segovia, 1465-1480
MS M.854 fol. 43v

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Trinity: Mercy Seat -- God, wearing triple papal tiara, with dove of Holy Ghost, nimbed, within circular mandorla before his breast, sits on architectural throne and supports with both hands arms of cross, to which is affixed with three nails Christ, nimbed, wearing short loin cloth, beneath scroll-like titulus. Background with chequered pattern.
Miniature enclosed by frame inscribed BENEDICIO ET CLARITAS ET SAPIENCIA ET GRACIARUM ACTIO HONOR ET VIRTUS ET FORTITUDO DEO NOSTRO IN SECULA SECULORUM.
Amid foliate ornament in margins are symbols of the four Evangelists, all nimbed; the eagle holds in beak scroll inscribed IOHANS; the angel holds in left hand scroll inscribed MATHEO; the lion, winged, laying down, showing teeth, holds in front paws scroll inscribed MARCOS; and the ox, winged, laying down, holding in front hooves scroll inscribed LVCAS.
Miniature and ornament executed in grisaille and gold tones with color accents.