Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Egmont breviary
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1440
MS M.87 fol. 329v

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Miniature, column, right: Agnes of Rome: Scene, Martyrdom -- Agnes of Rome, nimbus as rays, with joined hands raised, kneeling in flames, is pierced through the neck by spear held by one of three executioners, wearing headgear, the other two holding pitchforks. In background right, stands crowd of at least four men, wearing hats or turban-like headgear, some in communication with each other. Scene in hilly landscape with trees and flock of sheep, buildings in distance. Miniature at beginning of First Lesson on the Feast of Agnes of Rome (01.21). Initial O enclosing Agnes of Rome, nimbed, wearing ermine-trimmed mantle fastened with morse, with right hand holding palm; against gold background at beginniing of Collect "Omnipotens sempiterns deus qui infirma mundi eligium ..." Initial S enclosing Ambrose of Milan, nimbed, wearing miter and bishop’s vestments fastened with morse, with left hand holding cross-surmounted globe and with right hand holding crozier; against gold background. Margins decorated on three sides with scrolling floreate and foliate decoration, including strawberry, inhabited by lion as bishop, wearing miter with infulae and collar, with tongue protruding (left).