Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, perhaps Bruges, ca. 1420
MS M.76 fol. 217v

See more information »

Scene, Liturgical: Celebration of Mass -- Two candlesticks, open book on stand, and chalice, are on draped altar with retable decorated with Christ on cross flanked by two figures. Man kneels on one knee before the altar, next to priest, tonsured, standing, with joined hands, wearing chasuable.
Background of diaper in miniature; blue heads appear above scene inside frame of miniature.
Margins decorated with border of gold rinceaux inhabited by bear; hybrid man raising scimitar with right hand and holding round shield (buckler) with left hand, looking toward fantastic animal; hybrid man wearing miter, raising bell with left hand and holding crutch with right hand; hybrid man wearing hat and hood aiming bow and arrow; hybrid man; hybrid man , backturned, wearing hat holding shield with left hand and raising scimitar with right hand. Gold geometric ornament at each corner of miniature.