Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Poème sur la Passion
France, Rouen, ca. 1530
MS M.147 fol. 22r

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Christ: bearing Cross -- On path, Christ, rays as nimbus, wearing crown of thorns and long purple robe, carries tau cross on left shoulder, before soldier, wearing hat, holding staff in right hand and extending left hand to Him. Behind them, bearded Simon of Cyrene supports foot of cross, before Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing wimpled veil, with joined hands raised, Evangelist John, nimbed, and before two nimbed and veiled Holy Women. Among group of 14 men and soldiers, some wear hats and helmets, several hold spears, one holds bannered lance in right hand, four are mounted on bridled horses, and two play horns or trumpets. Scene before arched portal of city gate. Framed text block of 15 lines is suspended from tree branch over path with arbor and foliage in foreground. Trees and foliage forming arch over scene; miniature within architectural frame.