Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Roman de la Rose
France, 1340-1350
MS M.185 fol. 1r

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Half-page miniature divided into four sections:
1) Roman de la Rose: Scene, Lover sleeping -- At upper left, nude Lover, wearing hat, right hand to face, with head on pillow reclines in draped bed. Flowering rose bush is next to the bed; building or wall enclosing trees is at foot of the bed.
2) Roman de la Rose: Scene, Lover dressing -- At upper right, Lover, wearing hat, putting on left shoe, sits on bench. Striped curtain hangs from rod behind him; at right is basin on pedestal, mirror (?) above the basin. Cloth hangs at far right.
3) Roman de la Rose: Scene, Lover walking -- At lower left, Lover, wearing hat, gesturing with both hands, stands flanked by four trees.
4) Roman de la Rose: Scene, Lover approaching Garden -- At lower right, Lover, wearing hat, holding gloves with right hand, gesturing with left hand, looks toward crennellated wall with tower, behind which are trees. Stream flows from base of the wall.
All scenes with gold or diaper background, each enclosed by pink and/or blue frame. All enclosed in gold frame.
Below miniature in left column, champide initial M beginning text, MAINTES GENS DIENT QUE EN SONGES / NA SE FLABES NON ET MEN CONGES (sic).
Below miniature in right column, champide initial Q beginning text QUI SE VOUDRA POR FOL ME TIEGNE / QUAR ENDROIT MOI AI IE FIANCE.
Miniature and text enclosed on three sides by rectilinear frame decorated with ivy leaves, inhabited by winged dragon with open mouth, and interspersed with six medallions enclosing (from upper right) heads of pope wearing tiara, bishop wearing miter, king, queen ?, and two men, one wearing hood.
Tree next to lion in upper margin.