Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita S. Benedicti
Italy, perhaps in Padua, ca. 1450
MS M.184 fol. 20v

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Benedict of Montecassino: Scene, Two Monks feasting -- Departing from house at left, woman, wearing wimpled veil, holds basket laden with fruit, looks through arcade into corner room where two monks, wearing hooded habits, sit behind draped trestle table laden with two pitchers, cup, and two platters of fish and bread, one monk cuts the fish with knife held in right hand and one raises food to his mouth (feasting). Scene in garden with tree and interior of arcaded dining room. Miniature within frame for Chapter 12 of Book II of Dialogues; Two monks who are out on business disregard Benedict of Montecassino’s rule and eat outside of the monastery.