Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 96v

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Christ: Entry into Jerusalem -- Christ, crossed nimbus, raising right hand in blessing, is astride bridled ass stepping on garment, held by one of two men before crowd in city gate. Front of foal visible by hindquarters of the ass. Apostles, nimbed, most only tops of head visible, follow the ass, Peter extending right hand to the ass. Evangelist John is beside him. Small figure visible in tree next to city wall. In lower margin, escutcheon decorated with heraldry of Guy de Castelnau-Bretenoux (quarterly 1 and 4 gules a castle with 3 towers; 2 and 3 azure a lion argent) surmounted by a black papal prothonotary’s hat from which hang tassels. Crozier behind the escutcheon. All flanked by curtains. All enclosed by camaieu architectural frame of two decorated columns supporting lintel. Statues in niches at top of the columns wearing hats, one with hands in sleeves, the other mouth open, gesturing with left hand, right hand on purse at waist. Text is invitatory for Matins on Palm Sunday.