Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
England, Oxford, between 1212 and 1220
MS M.43 fol. 21r

See more information »

1) Christ: Parable, Lazarus and Dives -- Nimbed angel emerges from cloud, lifting nude soul of Lazarus with right palm of hand shown. Below, Lazarus, wearing hooded mantle, covered with leprous sores, with right hand raised, lies on ground, beside staff, purse, and cap.
Abraham: representing Paradise -- To right, Abraham, rayed nimbus, white haired and bearded, sits on throne, holding orant nude soul of Lazarus in bosom.
2) Christ: Parable, Lazarus and Dives -- Dives, nude, lies in draped four-post bed. From his mouth emerges nude soul ascending between horns of green bestial devil, with fringed waist-bands, grasping both the soul and Dives. Chain around neck of the soul, with hands joined, is pulled by another bestial horned devil, with fringed waist-bands, departing to right.
At right, bestial devil (upper part green), wearing pointed cap and fringed waist-bands, pushes down into flaming Hell Mouth Dives raising object in right hand toward his open mouth. He raises left hand toward horned devil, with horn at shoulder and face at genitals, forcing him down with hook.
Scenes within decorated frames.