Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 21v

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Miniature, right compartment: Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, Man who broke Fast -- Devil, in guise of man, wearing hat and short red tunic with water-bottle tied at waist and bundle slung over shoulder, raises right forefinger to indicate youthful Valentinianus the Benedictine, wearing short tunic, with left hand holding staff. Scene in grassy landscape with trees and buildings in background. Miniature, left compartment: Devil, in guise of man, wearing hat and red tunic, and Valentinianus the Benedictine, wearing short tunic, sit on grass and raise food to their mouths, flanking spread blanket on which are dishes and food, beside basket, staff and water-bottle. Scene in grassy landscape with trees and stream in background. Miniature within frame at beginning of Chapter 13 of Book II of Dialogues; Valentinianus the Benedictine eats with the devil on his journey.