Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, possibly Thérouanne, ca. 1300
MS M.60 fol. 33r

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Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- John Baptist, nimbed, wearing mantle of skins, with his joined hands raised, follows Christ, cross-nimbed, wearing mantle and holding cross-staff in His left hand. With His right hand, He pulls left arm of Adam, followed by Eve, both nude, and figure, all emerging from flaming Hell Mouth at portal of city gate of Hell.
Scene with gold background, within decorated initial D embellished with filigree in spandrels. Margins decorated with foliate extensions, and inhabited by dog running in the lower margin.