Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Farnese Hours
Italy, Rome, 1546
M.69, fol. 86v

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Left margin:
Border of foliate ornament in which is bust of man, possibly Job.
Lower margin:
Legend, Dance of Death -- On horseback and on ground, soldiers, armed with swords and/or shields, in battle with skeletons, one trying to stab soldier with spear, another stabbing horse with spear, and a third extending left hand to soldier, raising sword with right hand, astride leaping horse. At far left, man, wearing hood, stands leaning on staff or crutch, looking on.
Scene continues on facing page.
Text is from Office of the Dead, Matins