Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 12r

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Miniature, left compartment: 1) Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, marking Spring with Three Stones -- Benedict of Montecassino, kneels on mountain extending rock in right hand, beside kneeling Placidus of Sicily, with joined hands raised, both nimbed, tonsured, and wearing monk’s habits. Miniature, right compartment: 2) Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, striking Rock -- Among five tonsured monks, wearing habits, one leans on spade, two hold rods, one raises axe and another with pickaxe strikes rock at place below three rocks from which water pours forth over side of hill to stream in foreground. Scenes in hilly landscape with a stream, herons, ducks, and one turtle in foreground, and with five buildings, possibly including monastery and one cross-surmounted church in background. Miniature within frame for Chapter 5 of Book II of Dialogues; Benedict of Montecassino places three rocks on a mountain for the monks, who were without water supply, in the place to strike for a spring.