Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Langres, ca. 1485-1490
MS M.26 fol. 133v

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Christ: Descent from Cross -- Christ, crossed nimbus, bleeding from wounds, is lowered from tau cross with titulus INRI, by Nicodemus on ladder, holding cross with left hand, and right arm of Christ with right hand. Next to ladder leaning on cross arm, Joseph of Arimathea receives body of Christ with draped hands. At left are Holy Woman (only top of head visible), nimbed and veiled, Evangelist John, nimbed, and Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, kneeling, with joined hands. Skull and other bones on ground at base of cross. City in background under starry sky.
Miniature within arched frame supported by columns and architectural elements.
Margins decorated with floreate and foliate ornament, including large branches, and inhabited by fantastic animals, birds, one pecking ground.