Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 57v

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Innocents: Massacre -- Herod, crowned, holding scepter in right hand, is seated on canopied throne. He is flanked by two men, standing partly behind throne. At left are two soldiers wearing armor, one holding sword in right hand and headless, bleeding, body of infant in left hand, and the other, kneeling, grappling with mother clutching infant. At right are three soldiers, wearing armor, one with head of infant on spear, another stabbing bleeding body of infant, its mother, wearing headdress, on floor holding ankles of infant. Scene in canopied, windowed, architectural frame, flanked by columns with niches containing nude statues. Statues in niches around dome.
Left margin, within circle of foliage (top to bottom):
1) Saint or evangelist, nimbed, holding open book with both hands on lap, seated on bench.
2) Scene, Occupational: Spinning -- Woman, wearing headdress, is seated, holding spindle in right hand and distaff in left hand. Scene in landscape with sheep and trees.
Lower margin, within circle of foliage:
Man, wearing headgear, stands, holding hair of nude figure on ground, arms crossed on breast, and holding sword in front of his or her face. Scene in landscape with tree.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, including strawberry.