Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, ca. 1495
M.305 fol. 159v

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Miniature:
Christ: Miracle of raising Lazarus -- Eight apostles, nimbed, possibly including Peter, with joined hands, and Evangelist John, most only nimbus visible, stand behind Christ, crossed nimbus. His right hand is extended in blessing gesture toward Lazarus, wearing white hood and garment, with joined hands raised, standing at opening of tomb inscribed LAZARE VENI FO [...]. Also with Christ is youth wearing hat, holding staff with left hand and indicating Lazarus with right hand. Mary or Martha, nimbed, kneels in foreground.
Margins:
1) Medallion enclosing skull, crowned, resting on crossed bones.
2) Half-figure of skeleton, crowned, wearing cape, holding skull with both hands.
3) Half-figure of Francis of Assisi, nimbed and tonsured, wearing habit, raising right hand, and looking toward skull held with left hand. Frame flanked by four skulls.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament inhabited by winged putti heads, skulls, and hybrid man with dragon body.