Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS M.365. Fol. 074v

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Pentecost -- Dove with outstretched wings, emitting rays, is above Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple, kneeling with joined hands raised, before draped prie-dieu upon which is open book. At left are group of Apostles, the foremost of whom is Peter, kneeling with joined hands raised. At right is Evangelist John, kneeling with joined hands raised.
Scene in room open onto landscape setting through colonnade on which are statues in niches. Below miniature is inscription DOMINE LABIA MEA APERIES. ET OS MEUM ANNUNCIABIT LAUDEM TUAM (Psalm 51:15, Vulg. 50:17)Apostles: going forth to preach -- Apostle, holding walking stick in left hand and indicating city (?) with right hand, turns to look at second Apostle, holding book in right hand, left hand on breast. Figures are in landscape; four other Apostles, with walking sticks, are in background.