Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Egmont breviary
Netherlands, Utrecht, ca. 1440
MS M.87 fol. 110r

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Column, left: Innocents: Massacre -- Accompanied by three attendants, one hooded, Herod the Great, crowned, seated on stepped throne, lowering right hand toward one of at least four soldiers, wearing helmets, some with tunics over breastplates, two raising swords pierced with bleeding heads of infants, the foremost soldier with scabbard tied to waist. In foreground right, woman, wearing veiled headdress, partly kneeling, with both hands extended to nude infant, with right arms grasped by soldier. Scene in room with one window showing landscape beyond. Initial E decorated with half figure of Evangelist John, with right hand raised in blessing, and left hand holding chalice out of which emerges insect-like creature; against gold background. Margins decorated on three sides with scrolling floreate and foliate decoration, including daisies, columbines, and strawberries, inhabited by monkeys (upper and lower) and bear (right).