Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Missal
France, probably Troyes, ca. 1400
MS M.331 fol. 7r

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Bishop wearing miter and vestments, holds with both hands nude personification of soul, tonsured, with joined hands raised. He kneels before draped altar with altarpiece on which is scene of crucifixion, with four figures flanking one crucifix. Drapes hang at sides of the altar. Bishop and soul both look up toward arc of Heaven in which is partial bust of Christ, crossed nimbus, flanked by three (?) angels (?).
Background of gold vinescroll on blue background.
Margins decorated with border of foliate rinceaux inhabited by monkey or wildman, grasping vine with each hand, ankles crossed, upper body draped and by hybrid man, crowned, blowing horn in upper margin.
Beginning of introit for Mass on first Sunday of Advent.