Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Tours, ca. 1500
MS M.12 fol. 24r

See more information »

Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- Christ, nimbed, wearing loin cloth and mantle, holding cross-staff in right hand, extends left hand to Hell Mouth, in which are Adam and Eve, nude, with joined hands raised.
Miniature executed in cama³aeu.
Tree branches as line endings.
Margins with diagonal bands of blue foliate alternating with polychrome floreate bands. In right margin is fantastic animal with snail shell; in lower margin is bird with outstretched wings.