Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 41r

See more information »

Apollo of Thebaid: Scene, halting Oxen -- At upper left, Apollo of Thebaid, nimbed, tonsured, wearing monk’s habit, with both hands holding staff, before open door of monk’s cell, on rocky hill with trees and rabbit. In center, among group of men, the foremost raising right hand, all looking toward the Apollo. In foreground, two oxen pulling cart on which is idol, wearing sash, with left hand holding object and with right hand raising scepter, mounted on column. At far right, group of kneeling men, the foremost two with joined hands raised, all within building.
Illustration of Rufinus of Aquileia, Historia Monachorum in Aegypto, Chapter 7.