Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, between 1471 and 1485
MS M.815 fol. 89r

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Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, Martyrdom; Dioscorus of Nicomedia: Scene, Death; and Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, betrayed by Shepherd -- Barbara of Nicomedia, decapitated, bleeding, kneels with joined hands raised beside her nimbed head, with eyes closed, on ground. Behind her Dioscorus, holding sword in right hand, is grasped by two winged devils as flames rain down upon him. In backgroud is shepherd, holding staff, gesturing as he stands amid flock of sheep. Scene in landscape with rocks, shrubs, and castle on distant hilltop.
Margins with four vignettes (clockwise from top right):
1) Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, Baptism -- Barbara, nimbed, bare-breasted, wearing slip, stands in pool with joined hands raised. Holy Man, kneeling on ground, pours water from cup over her head. In background are two workmen, standing on scaffolding, one holding trowel, building tower with three windows.
2) Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, Torture -- Barbara, nimbed, bare-breasted, wearing slip, stands with hands bound behind column. Three tormenters stand to right, including one holding sword and one holding switches.
3) Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, clothed by Angel -- With both hands angel extends garment to Barbara, nimbed (?), bare-breasted, wearing slip, bleeding from breasts, with hands bound behind her back. Two tormentors, including one wearing sword at his waist, witness scene. Scene in interior of prison, with barred window.
4) Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, driven to Prison -- Barbara, nimbed, is pushed into prison by two men, one grasping her around the waist and the other with sword raised in right hand.