Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 5r

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Anthony Abbot the Great: Scene, praying and distributing Alms to Poor -- To left, tonsured priest, wearing vestments, placing hands on open book with pseudo-inscriptions, beside lit tapered candle, chalice and paten, all on draped altar. Beside him, tonsured monk raises right hand to open book on lectern, chanting. In center, youthful Anthony Abbot the Great, nimbed, wearing monk’s habit, kneels, with arms crossed on breast.
At right, youthful Anthony Abbot the Great, nimbed, wearing monk’s habit with pouch tied at waist, extends alms with right hand toward extended left hand of pilgrim, wearing broad-rimmed hat and pilgrim’s scrip, with right hand holding staff, accompanied by group of poor men, some in tattered clothes or wearing bandages (most with only heads visible).
Scenes in common landscape.
Scene in Athanasius, Life of Anthony Abbot the Great.