Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Farnese Hours
Italy, Rome, 1546
M.69, fol. 102v

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Miniature:
Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, nimbed, with crown of thorns, head inclined, wearing short loincloth, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus INRI. At left, Evangelist John, looks up at Him; Virgin Mary, veiled, arms crossed on breast, looks downward. At right are man, hooded, raising right hand standing next to, and looking at, soldier holding shield.
In background, landscape with city below dark sky. At lower edge of miniature, plaque inscribed DOMINE LABIA MEA APERIES.
Upper margin:
Square cameo with two kneeling figures in frame flanked by two winged, armless women, and by two panels in which are putti, two grasping drapery entwined in spiral at each side.
Left margin:
Man, wearing short loincloth, holding drapery at his back, standing on head of animal, on pedestal of sculptural scroll decorated with winged head of horse, grasping garland in mouth, and with mask.
Right margin:
Back-turned nude man, standing on head of animal, on pedestal of sculptural scroll decorated with winged head of horse, grasping garland in mouth, and with mask.
Lower margin:
Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- In center panel, cameo with Christ, nimbed, right hand raised in blessing, extending left hand to nude man, stepping up, extending left hand to Christ. Christ is flanked by figures, with joined hands, kneeling. Panel is flanked by putti, two astride hybrid horse with serpent-like hindquarters, two putti wrestling (?), two embracing (?).