Scenes from the Life of Christ and the Life of Blessed Gerard of Villamagna

This unusual picture book contains thirty-eight full-page illuminations by the Florentine illuminator Pacino di Bonaguida (ca. 1280-1340) and his workshop. The pictures include two from the Old Testament, thirty-two from the life of Christ, and four from the life of Blessed Gerard of Villamagna. The images contain some unusual iconography. On folio 12, for example, Christ climbs a ladder to his cross—indicative of his willingness to sacrifice his life for humankind. Folio 19v shows the funeral of Blessed Gerard: guards were needed to keep order, so many were those who came to see his body, and his coffin had to be positioned in a tree!

Italy, Florence, ca. 1320
MS M.643, purchased by J.P. Morgan, Jr. (1867-1943), in 1919

Thumbnails

MS M.643, fol. 1v (Miniature no. 1)

David

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

David, nimbed, crowned, stands, holding scroll, inscribed MISERERE, possibly from Psalm 51:1 (Vulg., 50:3) in his right hand, and raising his left hand.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 2r (Miniature no. 2)

Virgin Mary: Annunciation

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Virgin Mary: Annunciation -- Archangel Gabriel, nimbed, wearing stephane, holds floreate scepter in left hand and raises right hand in blessing toward nimbed Virgin Mary. She wears cross-inscribed veil, with her right hand on her breast and fold of mantle in her left hand. Both stand. To right is a vase. Above, God, cross-nimbed, as half figure, raises His right hand and holds book in His left hand, in arc of heaven from which dove of Holy Ghost descends toward the Virgin.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 2v (Miniature no. 3)

Virgin Mary: Visitation

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Virgin Mary: Visitation -- Nimbed female saint, in red veil and garment, stands beside Virgin Mary, wearing cross-inscribed veil, and Elizabeth, veiled, both nimbed, with their arms extended toward each other. The latter emerges from portal of building.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 3r (Miniature no. 4)

Christ: Nativity

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

CHECKChrist: Nativity -- Three nimbed angels appear behind mountains. Ox and ass in grotto peer behind Christ Child, cross-nimbed, swaddled, in crib.
Decorated frame.
Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed veil, reclines on mattress, with her head turned away. Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, sits on ground.

MS M.643, fol. 3v (Miniature no. 5)

Magi: Adoration

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Magi: Adoration -- Among three Magi, two beardless and crowned, stand, holding gifts. One points to star of Bethlehem above. With his crown on ground, the eldest kneels, presenting gift to extended hands of Christ Child, decorated crossed nimbus, half nude (partly swaddled), held by Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed veil, seated on throne.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 4r (Miniature no. 6)

Christ: Presentation

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Presentation -- Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, tonsured, holds two doves in basket, beside Virgin Mary nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed veil. She extends Christ Child, cross-nimbed, in red garment, over draped altar under altar canopy. Simeon, nimbed, extends his arms, accompanied by Prophetess Anna, nimbed, holding scroll with pseudo-inscriptions.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 4v (Miniature no. 7)

Christ: Flight into Egypt

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Flight into Egypt -- Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, follows Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed veil, holding swaddled, cross-nimbed Christ Child in her raised arms. She sits sideways on ass led on reins by youth, possibly James, Son of Joseph, holding staff over shoulder. Two trees on mountains in background.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 05r (Miniature no. 8)

Christ: among Doctors

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: among Doctors -- Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, in red garment, raises right hand in blessing and sits on throne, flanked by eight doctors, three with heads draped, seated on benches, in two groups. Behind balustrade, Joseph the Carpenter, nimbed, stands beside Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed veil, raising her hands toward her Son.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 5v (Miniature no. 9)

Christ: Baptism

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Baptism -- Two nimbed angels hold garments on shore. Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, with His hands raised, His right in blessing, stands nude in river Jordan in which are fishes. He is baptized by John Baptist, nimbed, wearing skins under mantle, pouring water from vessel. Holy Ghost descends in red rays from arc of heaven enclosing star.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 6r (Miniature no. 10)

Christ: Miracle of Cana

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Miracle of Cana -- In room with coffered ceiling, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, stands beside Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed nimbus, gesturing toward Him. With His right hand He points toward four jars, one of which is filled with liquid poured from jar borne on shoulder of one of two male attendants; the second holds knife in left hand.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 6v (Miniature no. 11)

Christ: anointed by Woman

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: anointed by Woman -- In room with coffered ceiling, woman, possibly Mary Magdalen, in red mantle, prostrate, embraces foot of Christ, decorated crossed nimbus. He sits on bench at end of draped table on which are knives, cross-inscribed loaves, fishes on plates, glasses, and other objects. Simon the Leper, head draped, is flanked by Apostle Peter and Evangelist John, both nimbed. All, with hands raised, sit at the table.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 7r (Miniature no. 12)

Christ: Miracle of raising Lazarus

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Miracle of raising Lazarus -- Among group of standing men, one raises draped hands toward his nose, and another clasps his hands. Mary and Martha, both of Bethany, veiled, kneel with joined hands raised, behind Lazarus in shroud, rising in sarcophagus, with lid on side. Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, extends His right hand in blessing toward them and holds book in His left hand. Two nimbed apostles stand behind Him.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 7v (Miniature no. 13)

Christ: Entry into Jerusalem

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Entry into Jerusalem -- In group, men stand in portal of city gate. Among six youths, one touches palm tree on hill, one spreads garment, and others scatter palm branches on ground. Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, raises His right hand in blessing, holds reins in left hand, and sits on ass. Two nimbed apostles, including Peter, follow Him.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 8r (Miniature no. 14)

Christ: Last Supper

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Last Supper -- Ten nimbed apostles flank Evangelist John, nimbed, resting his head on breast of Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, all behind draped table with bowls, glasses, knives, food, and animal, possibly lamb, in vessel. In foreground, Judas, seated on stool, raises right hand toward sop in one of Christ's extended hands. He holds food in left hand on the table.
Scene before room with coffered niche.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 8v (Miniature no. 15)

Christ: Washing of Feet

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Washing of Feet -- In room with coffered ceiling, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, kneels with left hand above basin holding right foot of Apostle Peter placing his right hand on his head. In background, ten nimbed apostles sit in two rows; two gesture.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 9r (Miniature no. 16)

Christ: in Gethsemane

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: in Gethsemane -- Seated amid rocks, Apostle Peter, Apostle James and Evangelist John, all nimbed, sleep. Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, sweating with blood issuing from His hands and feet, kneels in landscape of mountains with two trees. Above, Hand of God emerges from starred arc of heaven.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 9v (Miniature no. 17)

Christ: Betrayal and Arrest

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Betrayal and Arrest -- Christ, cross-nimbed, holding book in left arm, with right hand extended, is embraced by Judas, with helmeted soldiers behind him, some holding spears, one holding torch. To left stands Peter, nimbed, holding knife, beside kneeling figure, possibly Malchus, with hands raised to face. To right stand two men, one with his left hand on left shoulder of the Christ and the other holding torch.

MS M.643, fol. 10r (Miniature no. 18)

Christ: before Pilate

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: before Pilate -- Pilate sits in canopied throne, with feet on dais. He raises right hand toward Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, with hands raised. He is surrounded by man raising right hand and seven soldiers, wearing armors and helmets, four armed with spears, and one with round shield.

MS M.643, fol. 10v (Miniature no. 19)

Christ: Flagellation

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Flagellation -- In room with coffered ceiling, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, in transparent loin cloth, stands with hands bound behind to column, flanked by two tormentors raising scourges.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 11r (Miniature no. 20)

Christ: mocked

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: mocked -- In room with coffered ceiling, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, with transparent cloth over His eyes and rod in His raised right hand, sits on chair. He is surrounded by ten mockers, most raising sticks at Him; one, kneeling, blows curved horn and holds stick (?).
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 11v (Miniature no. 21)

Christ: bearing Cross

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: bearing Cross -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed veil, follows Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, bearing cross on His left shoulder. Rope around His neck is held by one of five flanking helmeted soldiers, including one holding spear, and two flanking men, one holding hammer, and the other blowing curved horn and holding stick.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 12r (Miniature no. 22)

Christ: Crucifixion, mounting Cross

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Crucifixion, mounting Cross -- Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, wearing long loin cloth, mounts ladder against cross with titulus and suppedaneum, above skull in crevasse. He is flanked by Virgin Mary, raising right hand, and Holy Woman, both nimbed and veiled, and four men. One man touches back of the Christ. Second raises hammer. Third holds three nails in basket. To right, three helmeted soldiers stand; two hold spears, and one holds sponge on reed (Stephaton ?).
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 12v (Miniature no. 23)

Christ: Crucifixion

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Crucifixion -- Christ, cross-nimbed, head inclined, in long loin cloth, blood flowing from His hands, feet, and side, is affixed with three nails to cross with titulus and suppedaneum above skull in crevasse. He is flanked by Virgin Mary, wearing cross-inscribed veil, raising her clasped hands, and Evangelist John raising his right hand to his face. Both nimbed, stand, looking toward Him.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 13r (Miniature no. 24)

Christ: Bewailing

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Bewailing -- Virgin Mary, nimbed, wearing cross-inscribed veil, sits, supporting on her lap body of Christ, cross-nimbed, in long loin cloth. His left hand is held by Evangelist John, nimbed, kneeling, and His feet are supported by nimbed apostle, possibly Apostle Peter, kneeling. Behind them are Mary Magdalen, in red mantle, raising her arms, three veiled Holy Women, including one with clasped hands, and apostle, all nimbed. All kneel before cross with bleeding nails in arms and with titulus, flanked by mountains.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 13v (Miniature no. 25)

Christ: Resurrection

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Resurrection -- In mountainous landscape with two trees, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, holds cross-inscribed bannered staff in left hand, raises right hand, looks up, and stands in profile, on lid covering sarcophagus. In foreground, two of three helmeted soldiers, in armor, sit, holding shields and flanking the third reclining with head resting on raised left hand and on shield.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 14r (Miniature no. 26)

Holy Women: at Sepulcher

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Holy Women: at Sepulcher -- Among three veiled, nimbed Holy Women, one holds ointment jar in her left hand; she and another extend their hands toward nimbed, red-skinned (red-faced) angel wearing stephane. The angel, seated on ledge of open sarcophagus in front of lid, holds scepter in left hand and raises right hand toward them. Two trees on mountains in background.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 14v (Miniature no. 27)

Christ: noli me tangere

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: noli me tangere -- Mary Magdalen, nimbed, veiled, in red mantle, kneels with her hands raised toward standing Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, addressing with His right hand raised. Two trees on mountains.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 15r (Miniature no. 28)

Christ: on Road to Emmaus

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: on Road to Emmaus -- Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, wearing mantle of skins and purse, walks with pilgrim's staff in His left hand, flanked by two nimbed disciples, holding rolls and looking toward Him. Tree on mountain.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 15v (Miniature no. 29)

Christ: Supper at Emmaus

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Supper at Emmaus -- Two nimbed disciples, gesturing, flank Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, wearing mantle of skins, raising His right hand and holding cross-inscribed loaf in left hand. All three sit at draped table laden with vessels, glasses, knives, fishes on plates, and food, in room with coffered ceiling.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 16r (Miniature no. 30)

Apostle, Thomas: Incredulity

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Apostle, Thomas: Incredulity -- In room with coffered ceiling, eleven nimbed apostles, including two gesturing, accompany nimbed Thomas. With right forefinger, he fingers wound in right side within slitted mantle of Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, raising His right arm high.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 16v (Miniature no. 31)

Christ: appearing to Apostles

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: appearing to Apostles -- In room with coffered ceiling, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, stands with hands raised, flanked by eleven nimbed apostles seated in two groups on floor.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 17r (Miniature no. 32)

Christ: Ascension

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Christ: Ascension -- Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, raises His right hand in blessing, holds book in His left hand, and sits on arc, with His feet on arc, in mandorla.
Below, Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, wearing cross-inscribed veil, orant, is flanked by twelve nimbed apostles headed by Peter with joined hands and Paul holding book. Mountainous landscape.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 17v (Miniature no. 33)

Pentecost

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Pentecost -- Rays issue from globe, enclosing bust of Christ (?), cross-nimbed (?), at coffered ceiling of room; flames appear on heads of twelve nimbed apostles, four holding books, all seated.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 18r (Miniature no. 34)

Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, giving Alms

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, giving Alms -- Two men, one with staff, stand beside ass laden with basket of food in front of bearded, nimbed Gerardus. He extends food toward cripple (lame), with crutch under his arm, holding bag of food, before group of men. Scene before wall and two buildings.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 18v (Miniature no. 35)

Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, soliciting Alms

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, soliciting Alms -- Gerardus, nimbed, bearded, stands with his hands raised, before man, wearing draped hat, mounted on bridled horse. The horseman gives coins (money) toward extended right hand of old woman, wearing wimpled veil, raising her left hand, and standing at portal of house; tree on rocky mountain in background.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 19r (Miniature no. 36)

Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, praying

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

1) Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, praying -- At portal of chapel, Gerardus, nimbed, bearded, kneels with joined hands toward altar cross on draped altar; to left, tree in rocky landscape.
2) Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, preaching -- Gerardus, nimbed, bearded, holds cross-staff in his left hand and stands with his right hand extended toward group of men, some wearing caps, seated on ground.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 19v (Miniature no. 37)

Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, Exposition of Body

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Gerardus of Villamagna: Scene, Exposition of Body -- Body of Gerardus, nimbed, bearded, lies with crossed arms on breast in coffin (sarcophagus) placed in branches of oak tree. The body is guarded by two helmeted soldiers, wearing sheathed swords and holding spears and shields. They are flanked by group of women wearing wimpled veils, one kneeling in litter and raising her joined hands toward the saint, and by group of men, including cripple leaning on hand crutches. Some women and men kneel, and three raise their joined hands.
Decorated frame.

MS M.643, fol. 20r (Miniature no. 38)

Moses: teaching

Florence, Italy
ca. 1320
245 x 176 mm

Purchased by J.P. Morgan (1867-1943) in 1919

MS M.643
Page description: 

Moses: teaching -- In group, Israelites, many seated on ground, are addressed by Moses, nimbed, horned, bald, standing with his right hand raised.
Decorated frame.