Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 130r

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Margaret of Antioch: Scene, emerging from Dragon -- Margaret of Antioch, with decorated nimbus, holding cross with both hands, emerges from back of dragon, drapery of her mantle sticking out of mouth of dragon. Scene in canopied architectural frame with windows, topped by pinnacles surmounted by crosses and banners.
Lower margin, in circle of foliage, left to right:
1) Margaret of Antioch: Scene, keeping Sheep -- Margaret, nimbed, holding staff in right hand, stands amid sheep looking up toward arc of Heaven emitting rays.
2) Margaret of Antioch: Scene, Baptism -- Margaret, nimbed, nude, with joined hands raised, stands in font. Bishop, wearing miter and cope, raises right hand and pours water from vessel held in his left hand, over her head. Group of men look on from right, two wearing hats, one of whom stands on base of font and places his hand on her back.
Right margin, in circle of foliage:
Margaret of Antioch: Scene, met by Olybrius -- Margaret, nimbed, holding pedum, stands with sheep before two horsemen wearing hats, and three other men, in hilly landscape with tree.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, including strawberry.