Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, perhaps Bruges, ca. 1420
MS M.76 fol. 270v

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Erasmus of Gaeta: Scene, Martyrdom -- Erasmus, wearing miter and short loincloth, is tied to trestle table with ropes at his neck, chest, thighs and ankles. His entrails, emerging from opening in his abdomen, are wound around windlass turned by two men wearing hats. King, probably Diocletian, crowned, extending right hand toward Erasmus, holding scepter with left hand, stands next to the table.
Scene with background of gold scroll work. Ten (?) blue heads appear above arch inside frame of miniature.
Margins decorated with border of gold rinceaux inhabited by fantastic animal; nude man wearing cape, raising scimitar with right hand and extending left hand holding shield decorated with face; hybrid man pouring out contents of small cask. Gold geometric ornament at each corner of miniature.