Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Bourges, ca. 1480
MS M.330 fol. 84r

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Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Gregory, tonsured, wearing chasuble, kneels before draped altar on which is chalice on corporal. He is flanked by two acolytes, tonsured, one back-turned, one holding book with both hands. Two cardinals, wearing red hats and habits, kneel at right. All look up at half-figure of Christ, rays as cross nimbus, with crown of thorns, arms crossed at waist, bleeding from wounds in head, side and hands, wearing loincloth, emerging from sarcophagus. Blood flows from His side into the chalice. Three coins (?) are on top edge of sarcophaus. Behind Christ is cross, against which leans ladder. Purple cloth or robe hangs over right side of cross-bar; spear and sponge on reed lean next to the robe. In upper right corner is sudarium with Christ’s head, rays as cross nimbus; two scourges hang below. Interior scene with decorated columns. Text at bottom of miniature begins Suffrage to Gregory the Great.