The page is divided into two registers within a decorated initial: in the upper register three musical angels play three instruments (from left: harp, vielle and small portative organ) in a celestial scene, probably celebrating the resurrection. The lower register instead depicts the apocryphal scene of the “Harrowing of Hell” in which Christ, wearing a bright orange robe and carrying a white banner, frees the righteous souls (including Adam and Eve) from the mouth of Hell, represented as a large monstrous mouth.
Musical Angels and The Anguish of Hell
Date:
1290
Location:
Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, United States
Author:
Anonymous (Flemish artist)
Technique and materials:
Ink and paint on parchment bound between velvet-covered boards
Dimensions:
48,1 x 34,6 cm
Provenance:
Hainaut, Belgium
Sources:
