Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1430-1435
MS M.359 fol. 111v

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, with crossed nimbus, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus inscribed INRI. He is flanked by two theives, wearing short loin cloths, bound to tau crosses, with Gestas turned away from Christ. At base of cross are Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, with joined hands, swooning in arms of Evangelist John, nimbed; holy woman, nimbed, veiled; Mary Magdalen, nimbed, kneeling with joined hands raised; helmeted soldiers; Longinus, wearing hat, piercing side of Christ with spear; man, wearing hat and ermine-lined mantle, with right hand raised and scroll inscribed VERE FILIUS DEY ERAT ISTE; and centurion, holding spear in right hand and human-faced shield in left hand. In background is landscape with trees and sky with sun and moon.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, foliate, and vinescroll ornament, with four medallions in corners:
1) Eve: Creation -- Christ-Logos, with crossed nimbus, with right hand raised in blessing, with left hand holds wrists of Eve, emerging nude from side of nude Adam, sleeping. Scene in landscape with trees and sky.
2) Personification: Church and Synagogue -- Synagogue, blindfolded, with crown slipping from her head, stands and holds staff in right hand and Tablet of Law in left hand. Beside her stands Church, crowned, holding chalice with wafer in right hand and cross-staff (?) in left hand.
3) Moses: Serpent of Brass -- Three men, including one wearing turban-like headdress, and Moses, wearing pointed hat, gesturing with left hand, stand before brazen serpent hanging from wooden structure. Scene in landscape with sky with stars.
4) Moses: Passover -- Five men, including four wearing hats and one with purse at waist, all holding candles (?), surround draped round table on which is paschal lamb on platter. Diapered background.