Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, ca. 1494
MS M.1078 fol. 143v

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Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- Christ, with crossed rayed nimbus, showing wounds, partially draped in mantle, stands holding cross-inscribed banner on cross-staff in right hand and with left hand grasping hand of nude man, possibly Adam, standing beside nude woman, possibly Eve, with joined hands raised, and three other nude figures, all in hell mouth. Scene in landscape.
Margins with scattered flowers, including bachelor's button, inhabited by two birds, butterfly, and fly.