Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Langres, ca. 1485-1490
MS M.26 fol. 121r

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, rays as cross nimbus, eyes possibly open, wearing short loincloth, is affixed with three nails to cross bearing titulus INRI. His side is pierced by spear held by Longinus. He is flanked above by sun and moon, and by two thieves, wearing short loincloths, tied to tau crosses with arms over crossbars, legs pierced, bent backwards and tied. At left are three Holy Women, two nimbed, one wearing headdress, Evangelist John, nimbed who possibly supports Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled. Mary Magdalen, wearing headdress kneels at foot of cross next to skull, with joined hands raised. At right are group of men wearing hats, two horsemen wearing hats, and soldiers wearing helmets. In background are men, and one horseman holding lance. In distance is city. All beneath starry sky.
Miniature within arched gold frame.
Margins decorated with floreate and foliate ornament, including large branches, and inhabited by moth, monkey playing small horn or holding flask to mouth, and bird.