Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of hours
Belgium, Bruges, 1525-1530
MS M.1175. Fol. 188v

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Miniature, column:
1) Approximately fourteen martyrs, all nimbed (some with only nimbi visible), including John Baptist, partly draped in mantle over garment of skins, with right hand raised to indicate recumbent Lamb of God supported on book with left hand; possibly Apostle Paul, with right hand holding sword; and possibly Adrian of Nicomedia, wearing plumed helmet and full armor, with right hand holding hammer and with left hand holding box; Christ Child, rays as nimbus, visible on shoulders of probably Christopher of Lycia.
Miniature, vignette, margins:
2) Hell -- In foreground, bodies of six nude souls are impaled on stakes and bleeding from wounds. In background left, one of two tormentors raise clubs or spears, at two partly nude souls, wearing short loin cloths, fire in distance.