Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Histoire ancienne jusqu’à César
Belgium, ca. 1460
MS M.212 fol. 1r

See more information »

God, beardless, wearing long tunic, holds spade with left hand and raises right hand toward nude Adam and Eve, seated to right of tree, possibly Tree of Life, in grassy landscape among lion, three deer (in bushes), and other animal, possibly dog. Above in sky are Sun and Personification of Moon. Scene in landscape with hills, trees and water in background. Figures painted in grisaille. Margins decorated with floreate and foliate ornament, including thistles, daisies and strawberries, miniature within gold frame. Initial Q of Quant decorated with heraldry of the Créquy family (or, wild plum gules). Illustration for beginning of Book of Genesis (Genesis 01:01).