Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Bourges, ca. 1473
MS M.677 fol. 196r

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Christ: Deposition -- Joseph of Arimathea, wearing hat, standing on ladder inclined against cross with titulus inscribed INRI, holds upper edge of shroud. He lowers body of Christ, rayed cross as nimbus, wearing crown of thorns, blood issuing from wounds, into hands of two men below, wearing hats. To right, Nicodemus descends from second ladder, holding pincers under arm.
To left of cross, holy women stand behind Evangelist John, nimbed, and Virgin Mary, veiled, nimbed, hands joined, looking up toward Christ. Collars of Evangelist John and Nicodemus bear pseudo-inscriptions.In background is landscape, including hills surmounted by buildings (castle?).