Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, possibly the Loire River Valley, ca. 1460
MS M.1067 fol. 8r

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Miniature:
Catherine of Alexandria, crowned, indicating with her right hand, and looking at, open book on her lap, is seated on cushioned faldstool, next to lectern on which is book and open book, and next to sword and broken wheel.
Scene in long vaulted room, below arch decorated with crockets and with figures in niches, one possibly crowned woman, all supported by two columns.
Medallions:
1) Catherine of Alexandria: Scene, Torture -- Catherine, crowned, with joined hands, flanked by two men on ground, kneels facing burning wheel; flames fall from above.
2) Catherine of Alexandria: Scene, Martyrdom -- Catherine, crowned, with joined hands, kneels, her head on block, bleeding. Executioner, standing beside her, holds with both hands, sword at her neck. Buildings are in distance.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including dianthus, and inhabited by butterflies; monkey with bow and arrow; flies, monkey astride animal; snake (serpent) confronting peacock, bill open, wings raised.