Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Literary
France, Paris, ca. 1465
MS M.222 fol. 1r

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Miniature divided into three narrative zones indicated by architecture:
1) Within first building (hall), Jean de Meun, tonsured, kneeling, presents inscribed book to Philip the Fair, crowned, wearing garments decorated with fleur-de-lis, holding scepter in left hand, seated on canopied throne, surrounded by courtiers, including one holding scroll and another holding sword.
On exterior of building, two angels support arms of France decorated with crown.
2) Within corridor between first and second buildings, Boethius(?) gives closed book to Jean de Meun. Both figures under arch joining buildings. Dog sniffs ground in corridor.
3) Within second building (bedroom), Personification of Philosophy, veiled, wearing ragged robe inscribed with initials for pi and theta, holding book in right hand and scepter in left hand, appears before Boethius, hands clasped at breast, seated on canopied bed. Philosophy is accompanied by two philosophers, one holding shred of her garment. Three muses stand on opposite side of bed.
Foliate border frames text and miniature. Arms of Bissari family (argent two fess gules two orvets affronted in pale verd) below miniature.