Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Langres, ca. 1485-1490
MS M.26 fol. 26r

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Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Gregory the Great, nimbed and tonsured, wearing priest's vestments, kneels at draped altar, resting elbows on altar, holding host (wafer) in raised hands. He is flanked by two clerics, tonsured, wearing deacon's vestments, kneeling, one extending right hand, the other holding candle in right hand and bottom of chasuble with left hand. On altar, open book and triple crowned papal tiara flank chalice into which blood of Christ flows from wound in His side. Christ, wearing crown of thorns, is supported by angel, and displays wounds in hands. Above and behind altar are instruments of Passion, including pincers, cross with titulus INRI surmounted by three dice, shroud over arm of cross, coins, lantern, hammer, and column.
Miniature within arched frame supported by columns and architectural elements.
Margins decorated with floreate and foliate ornament, including large branches, and inhabited by snail and birds.