Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Antiquitates Judaicae
France, Dijon, late 13th century
MS M.533 fol. 108r

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Initial C enclosing:
1) Hezekiah: Life lengthened -- Hezekiah, crowned, reclines in draped bed, holding with left hand fleur-de-lis scepter, also held by right hand of man, probably Isaiah, raising left hand.
2) Josiah: Battle -- Two confronted armies, some soldiers mounted, all wearing mail. In foreground Josiah and Pharaoh-necho, both crowned, holding shields, astride bridled horses.
3) Nebuchadnezzar: Siege of Jerusalem -- Army, some soldiers mounted, all wearing mail, some holding lances. In foreground Nebuchadnezzar, crowned, holding lance with right hand, shield with left hand, astride bridled horse. Building at right.
4) Nebuchadnezzar: Destruction of Jerusalem -- Of five soldiers, wearing mail, four (?) holding lances, two (?) are mounted. The foremost is Nebuchadnezzar, crowned, astride bridled horse. Another soldier extends hands to fire before doorway through which is visible, lamp hanging over draped altar.
Beginning of Book 10, Chapter 1 of Josephus, Antiquitates Judaicae.