Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Egmont breviary
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1440
MS M.87 fol. 359r

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Miniature, column, left: John of Rome: Scene, Martyrdom and Paul of Rome: Scene, Martyrdom -- John and Paul of Rome, one tonsured, both kneeling with joined hands raised, facing each other before two executioners, one wearing hat, both raising scimitars, two men look in at far right. Scene in hilly landscape with city buildings in far distance. Miniature at beginning of Chapter and First Lesson in Matins for Feast of Martyrdom of Apostles Peter and Paul (06.25); although illustration is for Feast of Martyrdom of John and Paul of Rome (06.27). Initial P enclosing half figure of Apostle Peter, nimbed, tonsured, holding book; against filigree background, at beginning of Chapter. Initial O enclosing Pope Leo II, nimbed, wearing triple-crowned papal tiara, with gloved right hand holding cross-staff and with draped left hand holding book; against filigree background at beginning of First Lesson. Margins decorated on three sides with scrolling floreate and foliate decoration, inhabited by half figures of two prophets, one wearing hat with left hand raised, emerging from clouds, holding scrolls inscribed TOTUS MUNDUS and ET UNIUS FIDE(I) (right).