Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Zir Ganela Gospels
Ethiopia, 1400-1401
MS M.828 fol. 14v

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Under architectural setting of trefoil arch enclosing hanging lamp surmounted by cross, Christ: Entombment -- Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both with names inscribed in Ge’ez, nimbed, bearing body of Christ unnimbed, face covered, wrapped in grave cloths, toward tomb with billowing curtain? in opening; above, Personifications of Sun and Moon; below, two sleeping soldiers holding spears and shields, inscribed “The guards of the tomb, how they became lifeless” (Ge’ez); inscription of scene title, “How Joseph and Nicodemus buried Our Lord” (Ge’ez).