Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Sacramentary
France, Mont-Saint-Michel, ca. 1060
MS M.641 fol. 170r

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Christ and Four Beasts -- Christ, cross-nimbed, raises right hand in blessing, holds book in left hand on left knee, and sits on cushion on arc, with feet on globe. He is flanked by half-figures of eleven bowing men, possibly representing Nations of the World (Revelations 7:9), or unnimbed saints in water, all below rainbow. All are within mandorla, forming part of initial O, flanked by four winged, nimbed Beasts, on clouds, three holding books, and eagle holding scroll.
Figures within frame decorated with foliate ornament and four medallions, two enclosing three figures holding books in draped hands, one enclosing three veiled female figures or saints (Virgins ?), and one enclosing two tonsured clerics.
Beginning of Collect for Feast of All Saints.