Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 23v

See more information »

Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, Visit of Totila, rejection of Envoys -- Emerging from door at left, among crowd of fifteen men, at least ten wearing hats or headgear, including one falconer, one man with monkey perched on his shoulder, and one guard, some kneel or gesture toward Riggo as Totila, crowned, wearing short decorated robe, with joined hands raised, kneeling and slightly bowing before Benedict of Montecassino, nimbed, tonsured and bearded, wearing monk’s habit, partly kneeling, extending hands, accompanied by seven monks, wearing hooded habits. Scene in room with two doors and wooden ceiling. Miniature within frame at end of Chapter 14 of Book II of Dialogues; Benedict of Montecassino discovers the true identity of Totila’s impersonator and rejects him.