The Virgin and the Crucified Christ Intercede for Catherine of Cleves
Virgin and Child in a Grape Arbor
Purchased on the Belle da Costa Greene Fund with the assistance of the Fellows, 1963
The large miniature that opens the Saturday Mass of the Virgin contains the third portrait of Catherine, kneeling at right. A saint (Leonard?) is behind her, and her humble demeanor contrasts with the intercession she is seeking. Her scroll petitions Mary to pray for her. The Virgin, bearing a breast, entreats her crucified Son to be kind to Catherine for the sake of the mother who nursed him. Christ takes time out from his death and asks, in the name of his wounds, that his Father spare the duchess. God responds, "Your prayer has been answered." The smaller miniature shows Mary quietly reading while angels babysit the Christ Child. More angels chant in the bottom border.