Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Golden legend
Belgium, Bruges, 1445-1465
MS M.672-5 IV, fol. 103v

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Two scenes within miniature:
1) Cosmas and Damian of Cilicia: Torture -- Five men, including one holding staff in right hand, look on as tormentor carries Cosmas of Cilicia or Damian of Cilicia, nimbed, hands bound, toward fire on which is the other saint, nimbed, hands bound. Another tormentor stokes flames with pitchfork. Soldier, wearing winged headgear and armor, sword at belt, holding spade, stands beside fire.
2) Cosmas and Damian of Cilicia: Martyrdom -- Beyond hill, body of one saint, beheaded, is prostrate on ground, with severed head, nimbed, blindfolded, beside it. Executioner raises sword above head other saint (both saints represented twice), nimbed, blindfolded, kneeling, joined hands raised. Two men look on.
In background is landscape with river and buildings.