Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Christ: Deposition.
Belgium, possibly Tournai, ca. 1440
MS M.357. Fol. 159v

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Christ: Deposition -- Christ, crossed nimbus, with crown of thorns, eyes closed, wearing loin cloth, is taken down from cross with titulus INRI. His body possibly rests on draped hands of Joseph of Arimathea; Nicodemus climbs ladder leaning against the cross, extending both hands to body of Christ. At left, Evangelist John, nimbed, hands clasped, and Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled with wimple, hands crossed on abdomen, both look up toward Christ. At right, soldier holds spear; man wearing pointed hat, and ermine lined garment, raises left hand. Bones are on the ground.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including strawberry, and inhabited by fantastic bird biting stem, and by hybrid animal, mouth open showing teeth, raising bell with right paw, supporting himself with crutch under left front leg. Text and miniature framed on three sides by gold bars decorated with flowers and intertwining vines.