Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
Germany, probably Nuremberg, between 1350 and 1400
MS M.140 fol. 28v

See more information »

Left column:
Christ: Deposition -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, embraces body of Christ, crossed nimbus, their faces touching, her right arm around front of His body. He is affixed with three nails to cross, His wounds bleeding. One of two men, probably Nicodemus, wearing Jew's hat, is removing nail from His feet with pincers. The other man carries ladder to the cross. Above arms, the cross is flanked by inscription IHC NAZAREN(US) REX IUDEO(RUM).
Caption, MARIA CU(M) MAGNO DOLORE SUSCEPIT FILIU(M) SUU(M) MORTUU(M), is inscribed above miniature.
Right column:
Jacob: shown Coat of Joseph -- Jacob, name inscribed IACOB, with hands joined, stands behind striped garment, each sleeve held by son, one with inscription UIDE SI TUNICA FILII TUI SIT AN NO(N) (Genesis 37:32).
Caption, FERA PESSIMA DEUORAUIT FILIU(M) MEU(M) IOSEPH, is inscribed above miniature.