Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of hours
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.1170. Fol. 072v

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Among three Personifications of Death, as partially draped skeletons, one aims arrow in bow, one raises spear with right hand and with left hand holds coffin, and the other with right hand holding spear and with left hand holding spade, all approaching at backs of three horsemen, wearing hats, on bridled and saddled horses with feet in stirrups.
Scene in landscape with cross in background against sky and five birds in flight.
Miniature at beginning of Office of the Dead.
Margins inhabited by three flies, four moths and butterfly and scattered with naturalistic flowers including viola, rose, forget-me-not and dianthus; against gold background.