Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
England, possibly York, 1316-1331
MS G.50 fol. 80r

See more information »

Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- Christ, cross-nimbed, wearing mantle and showing wounds in His hands and feet, steps on one of two gates of Hell and holds cross-staff with cross-inscribed banner in His right hand. With His left hand, He grasps right hand of Adam, followed by Eve, both with their left hands raised. The couple is accompanied by fourteen men and women. All are nude, in Hell Mouth, within city gate manned by three bestial devils armed with halberds and pitchfork, including one blowing horn.
Scene with gold punched background, within decorated frame with foliate terminals at corners.