Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Belgium, Bruges, 1531
MS M.451 fol. 113v

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Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Two tonsured priests, one holding papal tiara, kneel beside Gregory, nimbed, tonsured, wearing priest's vestments, holding wafer (host) in both hands and kneeling before draped altar. Upon altar are open book with pseudo-inscription, paten, and chalice, which is being filled with blood from wound in the side of Christ, emanating rays, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, showing five wounds, seated on edge of sarcophagus on top of altar. Lightly indicated in background are Instruments of the Passion, including cross with titulus inscribed INRI, with ladder leaning against it, column with two crossed scourges and rooster standing on top, and heads of six figures.