Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Les abus du monde
France, Rouen, ca. 1510
M.42 fol. 8v

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Holy Ghost -- At top of miniature is dove of holy Ghost, cross-nimbed, in clouds, emitting rays.
Below is woman, wearing headdress (personification of Election), holds cross staff. Above her is scroll with inscription, ELECTION. Beside her is Cardinal (personification of Religious Benefit), with right forefinger raised. Above him is scroll inscribed GRANT BENEFICE. They stand behind man (personification of Pragmatism), wearing hood, kneeling with hands raised. He surmounts scroll with inscription PRAGMATIQVE.
At right is tonsured priest (personification of Religious Benefit), holding in both hands open book with pseudo-inscription. Above him is scroll with inscription PETIT BENEFICE. He stands beside woman (personification of Religious appointment), holding lamb in both hands. Above her is scroll with inscription NOMINACION, and at her feet are flock of sheep and sheaf of wheat.
Figures are in landscape setting and are surrounded by architectural frame, on top of which are two putti, holding garland. At bottom of frame, third putto, as half figure, is in shell, and holds in both hands two garlands.