Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, ca. 1494
MS M.1078 fol. 86v

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Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Gregory the Great, tonsured, kneels before draped altar with open book with pseudo-inscription, chalice, and candles. Above the altar is Christ, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, emanating rays, standing in sarcophagus, with right hand to wound in side, from which blood pours into the chalice. To left of Christ are Instruments of the Passion, including cross with titulus inscribed INRI, scourge, pincers, hammer, reeds, nails, cock on column, dice, sponge, spear, and pieces of silver. Around Gregory are two tonsured priests; bishop, wearing miter, holding crozier in joined raised hands; three cardinals, including two kneeling, one holding triple crown papal tiara, and one standing, wearing cardinal's hat; and three other men. Scene in interior of church, with columns, leaded-glass windows, and tracery.
Margins with scattered flowers, including daisies, and vinescroll, inhabited by four birds.