Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
Belgium, Bruges, mid 15th century
MS M.385. Fol. 026v

See more information »

Left column:
Christ: Crucifixion --Christ, crossed nimbus, head inclined, eyes shut, wearing short loincloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus INRI. Above the cross is scroll inscribed HELI HELI LAMAZABATANI (Matthew 27:46). Next to right arm of Christ is scroll inscribed HODIE MECU(M) ER(IS) IN P(AR)ADISO (Luke 23:43). Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, with joined hands stands to left of the cross next to scroll inscribed M(U)L(IE)R ECCE FILIUS TUUS (John 19:26). At right, Evangelist John, nimbed, raising right hand in blessing, holding book with left hand, stands below scroll inscribed ECCE M(ATE)R TUA (John 19:27). Crucified thieves flank Christ; they are tied to crosses, arms up and over cross bar, bleeding from wounds at elbows and shins, both wearing short loincloths. Scroll next to thief at left is inscribed MEME(N)TO MEI D(OMIN)E DU(M) UENER(IS) I(N) R(E)G(NU)M TUU(M) (Luke 23:42). Thief at right is next to scroll inscribed SI FILI(US) DEI ES SALUA TEMET IP(SU)M ET NOS (Matthew 27:40, variant).Right column: