Hours of the Cross
Texts and Images
The Hours of the Cross marked the specific times of the day associated with the stages in Christ’s Passion. This manuscript contains the short version, with seven rather than all eight of the canonical hours of prayer. But it must have been of special importance to the manuscript’s owner, since it boasts the second of only three extant painted double spreads. A full-page Crucifixion on the left (fol. 24v) faces the text which opens with an initial enclosing the Harrowing of Hell on the right (fol. 25r). Both pages are framed within full architectural borders with scenes of Christ’s Passion and the events following his Resurrection.
Harrowing of Hell (Hours of the Cross)
This page was illuminated by one of the associates of the Painter of Additional 15677. Within the initial D Christ is seen breaking the gates of hell and rescuing Adam. The architectural border has scenes enclosed within roundels: the Resurrection, Three Holy Women and Angel at Christ’s tomb, Noli me tangere, Supper at Emmaus, Doubting Thomas, Christ appearing to Mary and disciples, and the Ascension.