Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Golden legend
Belgium, Bruges, 1445-1465
MS M.672-5 III, fol. 272v

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Two scenes within miniature:
1) Felicianus of Rome and Primus of Rome: Torture -- Two men, including prefect holding staff in right hand, look on as tormentor nails feet of Felicianus of Rome, nimbed, wearing white robe, to pole with hammer. His hands are nailed above his head to pole.
To right, Primus of Rome, nimbed, wearing loin cloth, reclines on table, arms bound to tree stump. He is flanked by two tormentors, one raising torch to his side, the other pouring molten lead into his mouth with ladle. Cauldron of lead, over fire, is beside first tormentor.
2) To right, executioner raises sword above Primus and Felicianus (represented twice), both nimbed. One saint, beheaded, falls to ground, bleeding from neck, head on ground beside him. The other saint kneels, head inclined.
In background is landscape with buildings of city.