Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 137v

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Column miniature:
Stephen Protomartyr: Stoning -- In sky, God, within cloudy arc of heaven, holds cross-surmounted globe in left hand and makes gesture of blessing with right hand. On ground, Stephen Protomartyr, nimbed, wearing deacon's robes, kneels with joined hands raised. Behind him are two tormentors, one raising stone in both hands and the other with stone in right hand and his left hand extended. Stones on ground. Scene in landscape setting.
Upper vignette:
Demetrius I: Bacchides and Alcimus sent against Jews -- Among group of soldiers, wearing armor, some with spears, most with only tops of heads visible, one extends hands toward man, holding letter in left hand and extending right hand.
Lower vignette:
Demetrius I: Bacchides and Alcimus sent against Jews -- Man holds letter in right hand and extends left hand toward Demetrius I, wearing ermine-lined mantle, with right hand extended and left hand raised. Behind him is man, wearing hat. Scene in room.
Caption between vignettes reads, BACHIS QUI LE DANGER DOUBTA A IUDAE LECTRES ASERINT LES QUELLES VNG HERAULT PORTA ET VOULEUTIERS IUDAS LES VIT.
Margins decorated with floreate border, including violas and grapevines, inhabited by bird and hybrid animal with snail on its back. Scroll with pseudo-inscription in right margin.
Hybrid bird in decorated initial O.