Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Libro degli uomini famosi
Italy, Venice, ca. 1405
MS G.36 fol. 1r

See more information »

Petrarch: Text, De Viris Illustribus, Romulus -- scenes in two registers, all in decorated initial R.
In upper register:
Legend, City of Rome: Romulus and Remus in Tiber River -- Romulus and Remus, as infants, float in Tiber River. On bank of river are she-wolf and shepherd, holding pedum in left hand. Starry sky in background.
In lower register:
Legend, City of Rome: Building of Rome -- Romulus and Remus stand beside buildings with scaffolding.
Margins with foliate ornament, inhabited by men; birds; and hybrid men, including one wearing pointed hat.
In lower margin is escutcheon with unidentified arms (per fesse azure and or, a lion rampant countercharged), enclosed in quatrefoil.