Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, possibly Brittany, ca. 1430
MS M.1040 fol. 35v

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, crossed nimbus, with crown of thorns, wearing short, diaphanous loincloth, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus INRI. Christ is flanked by two thieves, one on back side of cross, both with arms bent over crossbar. At left are soldier, and man with right hand on the back of Longinus, wearing hat, piercing side of Christ with lance held with both hands, and Stephaton, wearing cap and with scimitar at his waist, extending sponge on pole with left hand, holding bucket with right hand. In foreground are Evangelist John, on ground, extending right hand to Virgin Mary, veiled, possibly swooning; both are nimbed. At right are Longinus of Jerusalem (Centurion), wearing hat, raising in right hand, scroll inscribed UERE FILIUS DEI ERAT. Of four other men looking up at Christ, two are wearing hats, one indicates Christ, one holds sword.
Scene in landscape with trees, rocky outcrops, and city or castle in background, all below blue sky with gold stars.
Margins decorated with border of foliate ornament and rinceaux.