Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gradual, Sequentiary, Sacramentary
Austria, perhaps Salzburg, ca. 1260-1264
MS M.855 fol. 206r

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Scene, Liturgical: Obsequies, and Weighing of Soul -- Tonsured monk, with cross on breast of his habit, lies on four-post bed before two monks, one bearded, holding (reciting from) open inscribed book, and the other hooded, holding aspergil and situla.
Above, Archangel Michael, nimbed, holds scales of which the lower pan holds soul of the monk and the upper end and pan are grasped by three horned devils with weights suspended by cords around their necks, including one with hook implement.
Scene against gold background within initial Q decorated with foliate ornament and its descender tail formed and supported by male figure wearing mantle.
Beginning of collect of Votive Mass for Deceased.