Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.52 fol. 140v

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, rays as nimbus, wearing loin cloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with three nails to tau-cross. Mary Magdalen, nimbed, kneeling, grasps base of the cross.
To left, Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, hands joined, swooning, is supported by Evangelist John. Two Holy Women, nimbed, appear behind her.
To right, the Centurion, wearing pointed hat, mounted, raises right hand toward the Christ. He is followed by group of men, including soldiers.
In left and right margins framing central scene, two thieves, wearing short loin cloths, bleeding from wounds, are affixed to tau-crosses with rope.
Christ: Casting of Lots for Garments -- Below, in lower margin, three men, one with sword at waist, cast lots over garments of Christ. They are flanked by two prophets, wearing hats, within architectural niches. First prophet is beside scroll inscribed DIUISERUNT SIBI UESTAMENTA MEA, and second prophet writes on scroll inscribed ET SUPER UESTE(M) MEA(M), both quotations from Psalm 22:18 (Vulg., 21:19).