Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Historien Bibel
Germany, between 1375 and 1400
MS M.268 fol. 6r

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Upper half: Joseph: sold to Ishmaelites -- At left, ten men inscribed IOSEFFS PRUDER, one extending arms to Joseph, nude, partially in wellhead, another man pulling garment from arms of Joseph. Man next to the well extending hands, receiving coins from right hand of man wearing hat, purse hanging from left hand. Another man wearing hat, gesturing with right hand standing behind him below partially illegible inscription. From chapter 37 of Genesis. Joseph: accused by Potiphar’s Wife -- At right, Potiphar’s wife, nude, crowned, semi-relining in draped bed, with step inscribed DI KUNIGHIN PFARONIS, both hands extended to garment of Joseph, inscribed IOSEFF, his right arm grasped by soldier wearing helmet and armor; another figure, possibly soldier partially visible in doorway. From chapter 39 of Genesis. Lower half: Joseph: as Interpreter of Dreams -- At left, Pharaoh, crowned, and wife, veiled with wimple visible in window of tower inscribed KUNICH PFARO; head of man in window on side of the tower. Below, in window, head of sleeping man inscribed JOSEFF, holding bowl of objects with hand. At ground level, busts of two sleeping men, baker, with bowl containing food on head, bird pecking food, below inscription DER PFISCER (?). The chief butler with plant growing from head; grapevine visible in window at side of tower, below inscription DER SCHENKER (?). From chapter 40 of Genesis. Pharaoh: Dream -- Pharaoh, crowned, right hand to face, holding foliate scepter with left hand seated on throne with canopy inscribed DER PFARO TRAUM. Right of the throne, two confronted rows of cows, one row with fat cows labelled SIBEN VAISC (?), the other with lean cows labelled SIBEN MAGER. From chapter 41 of Genesis. Joseph: Advancement -- Pharaoh, crowned, inscribed KUNIG PFARO, raising left hand, extending ring with right hand toward Joseph, inscribed IOSEFF, with joined hands raised, looking toward Pharaoh. From chapter 41 of Genesis.