Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, ca. 1520
MS M.74 fol. 199r

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Erasmus of Gaeta: Scene, Martyrdom -- Erasmus, tonsured, nimbus as rays, wearing short loin cloth, is bound to board beneath windlass turned by two men, his miter on ground beside him. From cut in Erasmus’ abdomen, his entrails are wound onto the windlass (disembowelment). Another crowned man, possibly king, holding scepter in right hand, witnesses scene. Above, bust of God, mitered and wearing cope, in arc of Heaven and emitting rays to the Erasmus. Margins decorated with border of strewn flowers including viola and pink. Miniature at beginning of prayer to Erasmus of Gaeta.