Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

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

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Zone 1:
1) Christ: Temptation -- Christ, cross nimbed, right hand raised, holding globe in left hand, is seated amid rays on hill. Before Him stands devil, with bird feet and hands, and face on chest and on abdomen. Scene is in landscape with clump of small trees and building surmounted with crosses.
2) David: slinging at Goliath -- David, name inscribed DAUID on scroll, holding sling extended in right hand and in left hand, spear pointed down, with pile of stones at his feet. He stands opposite Goliath, name inscribed GOLIAS on scroll, wearing helmet and armor, holding long shield decorated with human face, and wearing saber at waist.
Zone 2:
1) Christ: Miracle of Loaves -- Christ, cross nimbed, gesturing with right hand and holding loaf in left hand, is flanked by 12 baskets of loaves and crowd of men and women, veiled. Two men in foreground hold plate containing two fish.
2) Elisha: feeding Hundred Men -- Elisha name inscribed HELISEUS on scroll, stands beside basket of loaves, gesturing with right hand and holding loaf in left hand. Before him, seated on ground is crowd of men. Scene is in landscape with tree.