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The Torment of Thieves: Tondal Leads a Cow Across a Nail-studded Bridge

Simon Marmion1475

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

In the part of hell reserved for thieves, Tondal must lead a cow over a narrow bridge in penance for once having stolen a cow from a friend. At the midpoint of the bridge, which is only as wide as his hand and studded with sharp iron nails, Tondal encounters another sinner carrying sheaves of wheat. Miraculously, Tondal and the man pass each other and make it across, completing their penance without falling into the pit of demons below.

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  • Title: The Torment of Thieves: Tondal Leads a Cow Across a Nail-studded Bridge
  • Creator: Simon Marmion
  • Date Created: 1475
  • Location Created: Valenciennes, France; Ghent, Belgium
  • Physical Dimensions: Leaf: 36.3 × 26.2 cm (14 5/16 × 10 5/16 in.)
  • Type: Folio
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 87.MN.141.20.20
  • Culture: Franco-Flemish
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. 30, fol. 20
  • Creator Display Name: Simon Marmion (Flemish, active 1450 - 1489)
  • Classification: Manuscripts (Documents)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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