Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 16v

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Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, Death of Florentius -- Inside building supported by columns, Florentius the Cleric, with wound in head, falls amid debris, including pot, from collapsing floor of upper chamber. Outside to right, tonsured male youth, looking back, flees with hands raised, beside yoked buckets on ground; hexagonal well (partly visible). In background, monk (messenger), wearing hooded habit, with water-bottle tied to waist, climbs hill with staff in left hand. Scene in landscape with wattle-fence, wall with entrance, two buildings, one cross-surmounted church, and trees in background. Miniature within frame for Chapter 8 of Book II of Dialogues; Florentius the Cleric is punished for his wickedness by falling from building to his death.