Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

La vérité à la place des ombres
France, Paris, 1679
MS M.21 fol. 134r

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Below a plaque with a quotation, a monstrance, radiating light into a cloud-filled sky, stands on an altar, its base bearing the monogram IHS, all within a thin, arched frame. At the sides are, on the left, a pitcher and basin and, on the right, three dice and Christ’s garment draped over a vase. Above these are emblems of the Passion including a cock on an Ionic column to which is attached the purse and scourges at the left and a cross, with titulus, to which Veronica’s veil and crown of thorns are attached, at the top. Other emblems include maces, halberds, scourges, torch, sponge, spears, sword, banner with inscription SPOR, ladder, glove with sword, hammer, pincers, and lantern. Below there is a quatrain. The frame consists of bands of burnished and dull gold.