Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 108v

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Christ: Resurrection -- Christ, crossed nimbus, raising right hand in blessing, holding cross-staff with left hand, body partially draped, showing wounds in hands, side and left foot, steps from sarcophagus with left foot. Angel, nimbed, with red face, arms crossed, is seated on lid across top of the sarcophagus. Two soldiers sleep in foreground, one resting on shield with pseudo-inscription. Behind the sarcophagus, are helmets of many soldiers, some holding spears. 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 as soldiers, both holding spears, one with shield, the other wearing sword at waist. Text is invitatory for Matins on Easter Sunday.