Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Loire, ca. 1475
MS G.1.II fol. 330r

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Christ: Deposition -- Christ, rays as cross nimbus, bleeding from wounds, wearing short loincloth, right arm removed from cross with titulus INRI (John 19:19), is supported from behind by draped hands of Joseph of Arimathea, wearing hat. At left, Virgin Mary, veiled with wimple, raises both arms to touch right arm of Christ. Evangelist John is behind Mary. At right, Mary Magdalen, veiled, with right hand, removes lid from ointment jar in left hand. Behind her, Nicodemus, on ladder leaning on cross arm, with pincers in right hand, removes nail from His left hand. At left, in background is partially backturned figured, veiled, with joined hands, possibly Holy Woman.
Scene in landscape with trees, stars in sky.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including rose, and inhabited by two birds, snail, and woman, raising club with right hand, astride bridled hybrid bird with saddle (Scene, Burlesque: Riding). In right margin, initials I and B bound together with knotted cord. In lower margin scroll inscribed with ET NON AVTRE.