Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 26v

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Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, Destruction of Monastery -- Beneath starry sky and moon, among two men holding tools, one holds axe, both are on roof destroying cross-surmounted church, one cross-surmounted tower toppling to ground. Another man, wearing cap, carries cross out of doorway, through which is aspergil in font. To right, on roof of monastery, one man removes tiles, two men on upper level remove books from shelves, one walks toward bearded man mounted on ladder, three other men accompany him on ground. Emerging from door, four monks, wearing hooded habits, one holding book, depart the monastery. In foreground, man with flushed cheeks, carries large chalice in left hand and departs to left. Scene in night landscape. Miniature within frame at end of Chapter 17 of Book II of Dialogues; Lombards destroy church and monastery in fulfilling the prediction of Benedict of Montecassino.