Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, perhaps in Berry, ca. 1510
MS M.250 fol. 136v

See more information »

John Baptist: Beheading -- John Baptist, wearing sleeveless garment tied with rope, with joined hands raised, kneels. Behind him, executioner, wearing hat, raises sword with both hands. In background, stand group of people, including Salome, holding bowl or platter. People also watching from gallery high in the wall include Herod Antipas, crowned, and Herodias crowned.
Scene in stone building with gallery level, decorated with string course on which stand two nude male statues holding spears and shields, with barred windows, and doorway through which light shines.
Margins decorated with border of sculptural ornament including three lion heads spouting foliate ornament and two putti, one backturned, holding spears and shields, surmounting two columns.