Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1440
MS M.157 fol. 108v

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, cross-nimbed, eyes closed, wearing crown of thorns on inclined head and loin cloth, is affixed with three nails to cross.
At left are two Holy Women, nimbed and veiled, one of which supports Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, clasping hands and swooning, beside Evangelist John. Behind them is Longinus, wearing hat, with left hand pointing to his eye and with spear in right hand piercing Christ's side. He stands beside second man, wearing hat.
At right is man, wearing hat and holding sword in left hand, addressing second man, possibly Longinus of Jerulsalem (centurion), wearing hat and armor, and holding sheild in left hand. Behind them is group of soldiers, wearing helmets, holding banners, spears, and halberd.
Scene in landscape setting.
Margins decorated with floreate border inhabited by moths and birds.