Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, possibly the Veneto, ca. 1425-1450
MS M.1089 fol. 189v

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, crossed nimbus, with crown of thorns, wearing diaphanous loincloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to tau cross. At left, thief, head inclined, wearing short loincloth, bleeding from wounds on shins, is tied to tau cross with arms over top of the cross. At right, thief, head facing upward, wearing short loincloth, bleeding from shins, is tied to tau cross with arms over top of the cross.
Below, left, one of group of horsemen raising hands, (only two horses visible), looks up toward Christ; four hold lances; another holds lance with banner inscribed with scorpion. At right, one of group of horsemen (only three horses visible) holds lance with banner inscribed SPQR; one, possibly Longinus of Jerusalem indicates Christ; five hold lances; one, backturned, holds stick or bone over right shoulder.
In foreground, at base of cross, Evangelist John (bearded), nimbed, and one of two Holy Women, nimbed and veiled with wimple, support Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple, swooning. Stephaton, holding bucket with left hand and sponge on reed with right hand, stands back-turned looking up toward Christ. Man and two soldiers, one holding spear, the other holding knife or sword, cast three dice on shield (?). Two wear multi-colored tights. Garment is ground in front of them. At right stand three men, two wearing hats. Skull is at base of cross.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament.