Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 10v

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Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, founding one of Twelve Monasteries -- In foreground, among three laborers, wearing tunics, one holds spade, one holds basket of grain on head, and one digs with hoe beside bucket. To right, emerging from door, Benedict of Montecassino, nimbed, wearing hooded monk’s habit, is accompanied by three cowled monks, all before four masons, one using trowel, one holding hammer in right hand and brick in left hand, before wall, and behind wall, one reaching for sack on back and one carrying container with bricks (building scene). Scene in landscape with monasteries on hills with twelve cross-surmounted towers. Miniature within frame for Chapter 3 of Book II of Dialogues; Benedict of Montecassino founds twelve abbeys.