Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 36v

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Benedict of Montecassino: Miracle of Oil filling Barrel -- To left, near arched portal, barrel overflows with oil, spilling on ground. In center, one of two tonsured monks, wearing habits, lowers right hand to indicate the oil, the other gathers garments in hands. To right, four tonsured, kneeling monks, one with joined hands raised, accompany kneeling Benedict of Montecassino, nimbus with scallops, bearded and tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, with joined hands raised. Scene in room of monastery with wooden ceiling. Miniature within frame at end of Chapter 29 of Book II of Dialogues; Benedict of Montecassino and his monks are at prayer and an empty barrel miraculously fills with oil.