Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
France, ca. 1260
MS M.851 fol.

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Within seven compartments of initial I composed of architectural frames and decorated with foliate ornament are following scenes and figures:
1-2) Naomi and Elimelech: in Moab -- In uppermost compartment on gold background, Naomi, wearing berbette and snood, walking staff in right hand, carries draped staff over left shoulder.
Below, on patterned background, Mahlon and Chilion hold walking staffs in right hands and raise left hands.
3) Below, on gold background, Orpah and Ruth, both wearing snoods, gesturing with hands, face each other.
4) Naomi: followed by Ruth -- Below, on patterned background, Naomi, wearing berbette and snood, is followed by Ruth, wearing snood. Both raise right hands. Ruth holds walking staff in left hand.
5) Ruth: Marriage with Boaz -- Below, on gold background, Boaz, wearing pointed cap, and Ruth, wearing snood, embrace.
6) Below, on patterned background, Obed, nimbed, standing, points with right hand to scroll inscribed OBED, held in left hand.
7) Below, on gold background, Jesse, nimbed, holds scroll inscribed IESSE in left hand and points to it with right hand.
At base of initial I, dog confronts hybrid animal, wearing hood, tail forming foliate ornament.
Beginning of Ruth.