Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1480
MS M.493 fol. 18v

See more information »

Pentecost -- Beneath dove of Holy Ghost descending in rays which issue from arc of heaven, Virgin Mary, wearing wimpled veil, gestures, surrounded by twelve apostles including possibly Apostle James, holding open book with pseudo-inscriptions with draped hands; Evangelist John, kneeling, holding book with left hand opposite another kneeling apostle, back turned, with left hand raised, beside another bearded apostle holding book, some gesturing or with hands crossed on breasts, all with scalloped nimbi (some with only nimbi visible). Scene in room with tiled floor and two arched windows flanking arched opening; city beyond. Borders decorated with gold scrolling foliate and floreate ornament against blue background. Miniature for beginning of the Short Hours of the Holy Spirit.