Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1430-1435
MS M.359 fol. 115v

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Pentecost -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, sits with joined hands raised, surrounded by twelve nimbed apostles, including four with joined hands raised, all kneeling, all in building with arcade, tile floor, cloth wall hangings, and leaded-glass arched windows. Flames emanate from summit of groin vault. Above in sky, in arc of heaven, emanating rays, ringed with seraphim, is Trinity, including Christ, with crossed nimbus, wearing crown of thorns, holding cross in draped right hand; dove of Holy Ghost, emanating rays, with wings extended; and God, nimbed, wearing triple-crown papal tiara, holding open book in draped right hand.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, foliate, and vinescroll ornament, with four medallions in corners:
1) Christ: Baptism -- Christ, with crossed nimbus, nude, with right hand raised in blessing and covering Himself with left hand, stands in river Jordan, flanked by John the Baptist, nimbed, wearing garment of skins, kneeling on riverbank, with bowl held in right hand pouring water over the head of Christ; and by angel (?), standing on opposite riverbank, holding garments of Christ. Above Christ, dove of Holy Ghost descends on rays. Sky in background.
2) Christ: appearing to Apostles(?) -- Nine (?) nimbed apostles, including one gesturing and another with joined hands raised, kneel below arc of heaven in which is half-figure of Christ, nimbed, emanating rays, with right hand raised in blessing.
3) Apostle, Peter: preaching -- Peter, nimbed, tonsured, holding key in right hand and gesturing with left hand, stands in draped pulpit before group of five seated men, wearing hats. Gold scroll background.
4) Angel: Scene, Unidentified -- Man, wearing short loin cloth, kneels with joined hands raised before angel, with right hand to the man's throat and holding jar in left hand. Scene in landscape with tree and sky.