Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vitae patrum
Italy, Naples, between 1350 and 1375
MS M.626 fol. 42v

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Apollo of Thebaid: Scene, Washing of Feet and visited by Brothers Three of Jerusalem -- Within shed-like enclosure of monastery, one of three nimbed and tonsured monks, seated on stool, with joined hands raised, feet submerged in shallow basin, touched by extended hands of Apollo of Thebaid, nimbed, tonsured, kneeling, and in background, group of monks, the foremost extending draped hands, all wearing monk’s habits.
At right, Apollo of Thebaid, nimbed, tonsured, embracing one of three nimbed brothers of Jerusalem, all tonsured, one with sack slung over shoulder, accompanied by group of tonsured monks, most with open mouths (chanting?), all wearing monk’s habits.
Illustration of Rufinus of Aquileia, Historia Monachorum in Aegypto, Chapter 7.