3-039-585 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Miniature from The Miracles of Our Lady, about 1460. Additional Info:This miniature originally appeared in a manuscript expressly created for Philip the Good, the duke of Burgundy that consists of a compilation of accounts of the miracles of the Virgin Mary. The witty scene illustrates a noblewoman's endeavor to deal with her husband's Christian mistress. In the chapel at right, the wife of the adulterous knight prays for the Virgin Mary to avenge her by punishing the mistress. However, Mary refuses the request on account of the adulteress's deep devotion to her. Subsequently when wife and mistress encounter one another in the street the mistress is so embarrassed, she falls to her knees, she promises to give up the husband. Meanwhile the wayward husband cowers behind the chapel.