Sacramentarium
Saint-Evroul, end 11th century
262 f. 278 x 185 mm.

Bibliothèque municipale de Rouen, ms. 273 ( A 287)


In the Canon of the mass, the illustrated passage in the manuscript, the initial T of the prayer Te igitur in folio 36 v°, there is a portrayal of Christ on the cross, with the Virgin and Saint John. The cross, coloured red is bordered with thorns. The body of Christ, pale and emaciated, contrasts on this bloody background. Next to him, the Virgin and Saint John are portrayed on hillocks, weeping, and seem to be frozen in the rigid folds of their blue and red garments. The illuminator here forms part of a tradition dating back to the Sacramentarium of Gellone.