Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Golden legend
Belgium, Bruges, 1445-1465
MS M.672-5 II, fol. 186v

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, nimbed, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, blood issuing from wounds, is affixed with three nails to cross, blood pooling at its base. Flanking the cross, two thieves, one with eyes open and the other dead, are bound by arms to tau-crosses.
Below, to left, Mary Magdalen looks up toward Christ. Evangelist John supports Virgin Mary, veiled, hands joined at breast. All are nimbed.
Behind them, horseman, wearing pointed hat, turns to horseman, wearing hat, pointing toward Christ, beside scroll inscribed, SI FILIUS DEI ERAT DESCENDAT, from Matthew 27:24.
To right, the Centurion, wearing pointed hat, with shield decorated with lion rampant slung over shoulder, and spear in left hand, raises right hand toward Christ. Above him is scroll inscribed, UERE FILIUS DEI ERAT ISTE, from Matthew 27:54. Behind him are group of soldiers, wearing mail, holding spears.