Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Vita Christi (Life of Christ)
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1440
MS M.649 fol. 3r

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Zone 1:
1) Christ: Miracle of Cana -- Seated at table before drapery or screen, are woman, crowned, flanked on both sides by woman and man. On table are plates containing food, cups, and other vessels. Standing at left, are Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, and Christ, cross nimbed, extending His hands over six jars on floor. At right, servant pours from one jar, into another on floor. Scene is in architectural setting.
2) Moses: smiting Rock -- Group of six men, two with hands joined and raised, kneel behind Moses, horned, name inscribed MOYSES on scroll, touching square stone with rod held in both hands. All is in rocky landscape. Above is bust of God, surrounded by rays, within arc of Heaven emiting rays.
Zone 2:
1) Christ: Baptism -- John Baptist, nimbed, kneeling on one knee, pours water from jar on to head of Christ, cross nimbed, nude, hands joined, standing in River Jordan. On opposite bank, angel, nimbed, holds garments. Above, bust of God, cross nimbed, is surrounded by rays within arc of Heaven emitting rays. Scene is in landscape with hill and clump of small trees.
2) Elisha: Healing of Naaman -- Naaman, nude, name inscribed NAMAN on scroll, stands in river Jordan. At left, near door of building Elisha, name inscribed ELIZEUS on scroll, stands on shore, gesturing with right hand toward Naaman; woman on opposite shore holds garment.