Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 132r

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Barbara of Nicomedia, with decorated nimbus, stands, grasping with right hand, cross with cross inscribed banner atop building, and holding palm of martyrdom in her left hand. Figure in canopied architectural frame with windows, topped with cross surmounted pinnacles.
Right margin, in medallions (top to bottom):
1) Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, Dispute with Dioscuros -- Dioscuros, crowned, is seated on throne, raising left hand and looking toward Barbara, nimbed, both hands raised. Between them is man, wearing hat, resting right hand on back of throne. At right are four soldiers wearing helmets and armor.
2) Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, driven to Prison -- Barbara, nimbed, looks back over right shoulder at torturer, hooded, raising club in right hand. Another torturer, wearing helmet (?), grasps her left arm with his right hand and holds stick in left hand, and enters buildng. Behind them are four men, two wearing hoods, another raising club in right hand.
Lower margin, in medallion:
Barbara of Nicomedia: Scene, Martyrdom -- Barbara, nimbed, with hands joined, kneels. Behind her executioner, with right hand holds knife at her bleeding throat, and her head with his left hand, standing on her robe with his left foot. At right are three men, one wearing hat, holding scepter in right hand and raising left hand, and another, wearing hat. At right is building.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, with crown and vase, and inhabited by peacock.