Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
Belgium, Ghent, 1270-1280
MS M.72 fol. 60r

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Psalm 039 (Vulg., 038).
Lawrence of Rome: Martyrdom -- Emperor, crowned, either Decius or Valerian, seated with left leg crossed over right leg, points with right hand toward Lawrence of Rome, decorated nimbus, tonsured, lying nude on flamming gridiron, hands and legs bound. Beside emperor, an executioner prods knees of Lawrence with pitchfork-like utensil. Above executioner, Hand of God, finger on pitchfork and pointing toward Lawrence, emerges from arc of heaven
Scene set in gold background within decorated initial D, partly formed by dragon with tail ending in foliate motif.
Left border contains letters O, C, L, E written in gold. Each letter is initial beginning a verse.
SC LAURENTIUS is written in gold letters in lower border of decorated frame.