Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1500
MS H.1 fol. 115r

See more information »

Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Christ, wounds visible in hands, wearing short loincloth, supported by angel, stands in sarcophagus behind altar. Blood flows from His side into chalice on the draped altar. Chalice rests on corporal on which is wafer (?) inscribed with crucifix flanked by two figures (Christ: Crucifixion). Also on the altar are open book on cushion (?), candlestick and cross surmounted triple-crowned tiara. Gregory the Great, tonsured, with joined hands raised, wearing vestments for Mass, kneels before the altar looking up toward Christ. Behind Gregory are two acolytes, tonsured, with joined hands, holding candlesticks; behind them are four cardinals wearing hats, the foremost two with joined hands. In background are Instruments of Passion including cross, spear and reed with sponge leaning on the cross, crown of thorns and garment hanging on the cross, column with rope, scourge and withes, three dice, pincers, hammer and unidentified object.