Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps Paris, ca. 1475
MS S.5 fol. 130r

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Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, nimbed, wearing crown of thorns and short loin cloth, bleeding from wounds, is affixed with four nails to cross with titulus. Flanking Him are Dysmas and Gestas, both wearing short loin cloths, bleeding from wounds, and bound to tau crosses. At the base of cross stand Evangelist John, nimbed, holding shroud (?); Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, with joined hands raised; and two horsemen, including one wearing hat, with right hand indicating Christ, and the other a helmeted soldier, wearing armor and spurs. Many helmeted soldiers with spears in background. In distance is city of Jerusalem. Sky with sun and moon and stars.
Initial D enclosing tau cross encrused with gems, including pearls.
Margins with foliate ornament, inhabited by moth and bird.