Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1520
MS M.307 fol. 174v

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Catherine of Alexandria: Scene, Martyrdom -- Catherine, nimbed, neck bared, with joined hands raised, kneels on cloth. Executioner, raising sword with both hands stands behind her. Two angels, arms raised, kneel before her. Maxentius, wearing imperial crown, extending right hand and holding scepter with left hand, and another man, wearing turban-like headgear are at right, astride bridled horses.
In background, fire rains down on burning wheel; figures enter or exit castle below portcullis.
Margins decorated with lattice of pearls, enclosing other pearls and gems set in gold.