Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Angers, between 1465 and 1470
M.248 fol. 118r

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Gregory the Great: Scene, celebrating Mass -- Gregory, nimbed and tonsured, wearing vestments, raising wafer (host) with both hands, kneels before draped altar on which is chalice and corporal. He is flanked by two deacons, tonsured, kneeling, each holding candle with one hand and lifting chasuble of Gregory with other hand. Behind the altar Christ of Sorrows, rays as crossed nimbus with crown of thorns, arms crossed at waist, bleeding from wounds, stands in sarcophagus or grave. He is flanked by instruments of Passion including spear, scourge, sponge on reed, coins, garment, pincers, and hammer, several resting on or hanging from tau cross with illegible titulus, and with two nails.
Below miniature is inscribed ISTE EST G(RE)GORIVS QVI ANTE DEVM MAGNAS VIRTVE.