Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 11r

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Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, Reception of Novices Maurus and Placidus -- Youthful groom stands, holding sword, surrounded by seven bridled and saddled horses with stirrups (some horses with only heads visible), beside group of men, most wearing hats or headgear, including Eutychius of Glanfeuil and Tertullus of Sicily, one raising left hand to hat and the other, wearing draped headgear, extending right hand toward one of two sons, novices Maurus of Glanfeuil and Placidus of Sicily, both nimbed, one kneeling and kissing extended right hand of Benedict of Montecassino, nimbed, wearing hooded monk’s habit, holding book in left hand, accompanied by three other tonsured or cowled monks at Monastery of Montecassino gate. Scene in landscape with monastery wall, cross-surmounted tower with bell and stork in nest on roof, and fruit trees in background. Miniature within frame for end of Chapter 3 of Book II of Dialogues; Novices Maurus and Placidius are brought to Benedict of Montecassino for service at the monastery.