Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Golden legend
Belgium, Bruges, 1445-1465
MS M.672-5 I, fol. 103r

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Two scenes within miniature:
1) Basil the Great: Slave making Compact with Devil -- Devil, holding grapnel in right hand, extends left hand to receive written compact held by slave, kneeling on one knee, hat removed.
2) Basil the Great: Slave claimed by Devil -- To right, Devil (represented twice) flies through doorway of building adorned with embroidered hanging. He holds grapnel in right hand and compact in left hand above group of figures, including slave (represented twice), kneeling on both knees with hands joined, and Basil the Great, nimbed, wearing bishop's vestments and miter, holding crozier in left hand. He extends right hand toward Devil.
In background is landscape with church.