Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, possibly the Loire River Valley, ca. 1460
MS M.1067 fol. 9r

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Miniature:
Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Gregory, nimbed and tonsured, raising with both hands host (wafer) inscribed with crucifix flanked by two figures, kneels before draped altar on which are candlesticks, open book, and sarcophagus in which nude Christ stands indicating with both hands, bleeding wound in side; blood flows from side of Christ into chalice on the altar. Altar has reredos decorated with niches in which are figures, and is flanked by curtains. Behind the reredos are instruments of Passion, including spear, cross with three nails, ladder, stick on which is sponge, two scourges and cock on column. Behind Gregory are cardinal, wearing cardinal's hat, holding quadruple crowned papal tiara, and deacon, tonsured, either with joined hands or holding lower edge of chasuable of Gregory. At right two deacons, tonsured, kneel, one holding candle.
Medallions:
1) Christ: bearing Cross -- Christ, crossed nimbus, carrying cross on left shoulder is surrounded by two soldiers, one carrying halberd, one extending arms to Christ, and by four men.
2) Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, nimbed, possibly nude, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus INRI. He is flanked by Virgin Mary nimbed and veiled, with joined hands and by Evangelist John, nimbed, with joined hands, looking up at Christ.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including viola and dianthus, and inhabited by monkey raising club with right hand and holding round shield (buckler) with left hand; bear holding vine with right hand and raising club with left hand; horseman; soldier wearing helmet, holding with left hand shield with human face and club with right hand.