Liturgical manuscript (miniature of the crucifixion)

F-d8yq

Mechelen, Stadsarchief Mechelen, archief Oudkleerkopersambacht, nr. 4

Remarks by the Editor

Dr Dominique Vanwijnsberghe kindly advised on the art-historical style and the dating of the miniature.

General Information

Title Liturgical manuscript (miniature of the crucifixion)
Material Parchment

Original Condition

Page Height at least 243 mm
Page Width at least 173 mm

Current Condition

Dimensions 243 x 173 mm
More about the Current Condition

The fragment is a pasted-in miniature, which has been trimmed all around and probably used to be a full-page miniature.

Book Decoration and Musical Notation

Description

The miniature depicts a Crucifixion with Virgin Mary and St John. St John is carrying a girdle book. The figures of Mary and Christ seem to originate from a different hand than that of St John judging from the proportions and features of the faces, and the style of the folds of drapery. The painter of St John suggests a more realistic manner of depiction, probably a master's hand. At the root of the cross is a bone of Adam. The landscape with pebbles and a rock indicates the hill of Golgota. The background is purely ornamental (golden floral motifs on red). The miniature is encircled by a double frame of blue and gold-leaf band, both with the upper side arched. At its four corners are winged Evangelist symbols in encircled medaillons. On the lower part of the page, there is a medaillon bearing a cross executed in golden leaf on a red background.

Host Volume

Title Register of the guild of the Mechelen rag buyers with copies of their charters and privileges.
Date of Origin/Publication 1767
Place of Origin/Publication Mechelen