Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1515
MS M.399 fol.295v

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Within landscape, executioner holds head of martyr, blindfolded, partially nude, and raises sword held in right hand. Bodies of two martyrs, both beheaded, are on ground beside first martyr. Three men, including horseman, look on.
Beyond, at bottom of hill, two tormentors raise scourges against two martyrs, partially nude, bound to pole. Third tormentor, kneeling on ground, makes scourge by tying twigs together.
On top of hill, executioner grasps left arm of partially nude martyr. Two executioners push two nude martyrs off hill with pitchforks. Below, three martyrs are impaled on trees.
To right of hill, group of figures, including soldiers and horsemen, stand below seven crucified martyrs, affixed to tau crosses.
All martyrs are nimbed.
Scene framed by illusionistic wood border.