Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.52 fol. 6v

See more information »

Historiated border containing cama³aeu figures, medallions, and miniature in lower border frames calendar.
Top border, in cama³aeu:
Two groups of figures playing skittles (nine-pins).
Left border, decorated with architectural ornament, contains three medallions and panel with the following scenes:
1) Francis of Assisi, nimbed, tonsured, wearing Franciscan habit, displays stigmata. He stands before patterned hanging within room furnished with bench.
Feast celebrated October 4.
Below, in cama³aeu, two nude men battle.
2) Evangelist, Luke: painting Virgin Mary -- Beside winged ox, Evangelist Luke, nimbed, sits in chair before easel, with brush painting image of Virgin Mary on panel.
Feast celebrated October 18.
Below, in cama³aeu, two carpenters prepare panels.
3) Apostle Simon, holding saw in right hand, and Apostle Jude, holding T square in right hand, both nimbed and holding books in left hands, within landscape.
Feast celebrated October 28.
Below, in cama³aeu, two men seated.
4) Zodiac Sign: Libra -- Scales hanging from apex of arched frame. In background is room.
Below, LIBRA inscribed in cama³aeu.
Lower border:
Month, Occupation: October -- In background, laborers harvest grapes in vineyard. Man, carrying basket of grapes, advances toward gate of courtyard. Within courtyard, two men carry baskets of grapes on back toward wine press manned by laborers.
To right, two men examine bull, chained to wall of building. Within building, three laborers prepare to slaughter bull.