Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 142r

See more information »

Column miniature:
Mary Magdalen, nimbed, holds ointment jar in both hands. Figure in landscape setting with building.
Upper vignette:
Maccabees: Battle against Nicanor -- Judas Maccabaeus, wearing armor, holds shield inscribed with lion in left hand and with right hand raises sword to strike soldier, wearing armor, on ground. In background are soldiers engaged in battle.
Lower vignette:
Judas Maccabaeus: Nicanor's Head shown -- On top of building over open portal is head of Nicanor on stick from which also hangs right hand.
Caption between vignettes reads, NICHANOR P(ER) DIT ESPERANCE POUR CE IOUR ET LE LANDEMAIN FUT TUE AU BOUT DIME LANCE PLANTE FUT SA TESTE ET SA MAIN.
Margins decorated with floreate border, including columbines, inhabited by fly and by hybrid animal, winged.