Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Langres, ca. 1465
MS G.55 fol. 130v

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Miniature:
Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, cross nimbed, with crown of thorns, eyes closed, head inclined, wearing short loincloth, is affixed by three nails to cross surmounted by titulus INRI. Blood runs down cross and trails onto ground. He is flanked by two men each bound to cross. Above are sun and moon amid stars in sky. On ground are skull and other bones.
Medallions (top to bottom, left to right):
1) Christ: Nativity -- Christ Child, nimbed, raising right hand, lies amid rays on corner of bed, flanked by Virgin Mary, nimbed, with joined hands, kneeling, and Joseph the Carpenter, with joined hands, kneeling. Behind in background, behind Virgin Mary is bed, and to right, ass and ox (only head visible) at manger. All under roof with holes. Rays from star above touch Christ Child through hole in roof.
2) Christ: Betrayal and Arrest; and Apostle, Peter: cutting off Ear of Malchus -- Christ, cross nimbed, is kissed by Judas. At left, Peter, nimbed, holds sword with both hands; Malchus is on ground before him. At right is group of five (?) soldiers, wearing helmets, holding spears.
3) Christ: Flagellation -- Christ, cross-nimbed, wearing short loincloth, stands before column with hands bound behind, flanked by two torturers, one holding withes with both hands, and the other raising scourge with both hands.
4) Christ: before Pilate -- Pilate, wearing hat, is seated on throne, his right hand indicating Christ, cross-nimbed, hands bound, flanked and held by two soldiers wearing helmets and armor.
Border inscribed FACTUS EST OBEDIENS USQUE AD MORTEM MORTEM AUTEM CRUCIS DANIEL from NT, Philippians 02:08, and DI CHOSSON DE NIBORO, motto of Pierre de Bosredont.
Margins decorated with floreate ornament. Split between left and right margins, monogram of initials A and P each with loop of love knot. In lower margin, heraldic shield of Pierre de Bosredont (quarterly vair and gules).