Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Bourges, ca. 1480
MS M.330 fol. 56r

See more information »

Christ: Entombment -- Christ, wearing loincloth, bleeding from wounds, reclines on burial cloth, His head supported by draped hands of Joseph of Arimathea, wearing hat, His feet supported by draped hands of Nicodemus. They hold Him over opening of sarcophagus; behind the sarcophagus are Evangelist John; Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, leaning over Him; three Holy Women, veiled, one holding ointment jar, probably Mary Magdalen. All are nimbed. Sarcophagus decorated with series of medallions enclosing heads of men and women, wearing hats, one possibly wearing helmet. Interior scene in apse, with vaulted ceiling, lancets, rose windows. Text at bottom of miniature begins Short Hours of the Cross, Compline.