Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, 1450-1475
MS W.5 fol. 114v

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Christ: Pietà -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple, raising with her left hand, right arm of Christ to her face. He reclines on her lap, wearing short loincloth, bleeding from wounds. Behind them is tau cross with titulus INRI. Rays descend to city in background. In foreground, kneels donor as knight, with joined hands, wearing over left arm, shield with heraldry (Quarterly 1 and 4 argent an eagle displayed sable, 2 and 3 quarterly, 1 and 4 argent a semy of pellets, 2 and 3 gules). Helmet with red plume is on ground beside him.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including strawberry, rose, and viola. In lower margin, escutcheon with heraldry (Quarterly 1 and 4 argent an eagle displayed sable, 2 and 3 quarterly, 1 and 4 argent a semy of pellets, 2 and 3 gules).