Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 102r

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Upper register:
Christ: Miracle of raising Lazarus -- Apostle Peter, nimbed, with right forefinger raised, stands behind Christ, rays as nimbus, raising right hand in blessing and extending left hand toward Lazarus, partially draped in shroud, emerging from grave, with joined hands raised.
Behind him kneel Mary and Martha, both of Bethany, nimbed, holding jars in their left hands.
In background are group of men, two of which are nimbed. Three cover their noses with their sleeves. Seven wear hats. Only tops of heads of most are visible.
Scene in front of wall with open portal.
Right margin:
Christ: Parable, Lazarus and Dives -- Abraham, wearing hat, seated in draped chair, holds in his lap soul of Lazarus, nude, on draped cloth, with joined hands raised. They are within coud-edged arc of heaven, above Dives, nude, with chain attached to collar around his neck, raising his right forefinger to indicate his mouth. He is seated amid bestial devils, rocks, and fires of hell.
Lower register:
Purgatory -- Of four nude souls amid flames, one is tonsured with crossed hands, two have arms crossed, and fourth has crossed hands and addresses angel, extending right forefinger and left hand. Faces of three other souls (in red camaïeu technique) are in flames.
Miniatures within architectural frame.