Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Northern France or Flanders, ca. 1445
M.287 fol. 102r

See more information »

Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, crossed nimbus, wearing short loincloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to cross. At left, Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, looking away from Him, raises draped hand to face. At right, Evangelist John, nimbed, grasping cloak with right hand, holds inclined head with left hand. In upper margin, flanking the miniature, are two thieves, both with arms over top of tau cross, bodies arched outward. Thief at left looks toward Christ; thief at right looks downward and away from Christ. Flanking the miniature in lower margin, Stephaton, wearing hat, looking upward, holds spear with both hands. At right, one of six (?) horsemen, probably Longinus of Jerusalem, indicates upward next to scroll inscribed [UE]RE FILLIUS DEI [ERAT] ISTE.
Miniature and text surrounded by gold frame on three sides terminating in foliate ornament. Margins decorated with border of rinceaux, foliate and floreate ornament.