Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 108r

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1) Theophilus the Monk: Scene, encountering Elephants and Doves -- At left, Theophilus the Monk, Sergius the Monk, and Hyginus the Monk, all nimbed, tonsured and wearing monk’s habits, one wearing cap, with sack slung over left shoulder, extending right hand toward group of three elephants. At right, in branches of trees, perch flock of six doves.
2) Theophilus the Monk: Scene, encountering Fiery Man of the Lake with Sergius and Hyginus -- At right, Theophilus the Monk, Sergius the Monk, and Hyginus the Monk, all nimbed, tonsured and wearing monk’s habits, two with hands covering eyes, and one wearing cap, with sack slung over left shoulder lowering right hand toward tablet engraved with Greek letters surrounded by coiled serpent, fire and two wiverns. At right, man, with wrists bound with chains and with two chains extending from head, standing amid flames in hilly landscape.
Scenes in common landscape framed by two trees.
Illustration of Theophilus, Sergius, and Hyginus, Life of Macarius of Rome.