Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
Germany, probably Nuremberg, between 1350 and 1400
MS M.140 fol. 32v

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Left column:
Virgin Mary: treading on Beasts -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, bearing cross on right shoulder, holding reeds, and reed with sponge in right hand and scourge in left hand. Bucket or basket containing three nails hangs on hook descending from foot of the cross. She stands on, or next to, recumbent devil. At right is column atop which is chalice.
Caption, MARIA SUP(ER)AUIT DYA(BOLUS) HOSTE(M) N(OST)R(U)M, is inscribed above miniature.
Right column:
Judith: slaying Holofernes -- Judith, wearing hat, raises bloodied sword with right hand, and grasps hair of Holofernes with left hand. He reclines on draped bed, his head on pillow, eyes shut, bleeding from wound in neck.
Caption, IUDITH DECOLLAUIT HOLOF(ER)NEM HOSTE(M) FILIO(RUM) ISR(AE)L, is inscribed above miniature.