Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Historien Bibel
Germany, between 1375 and 1400
MS M.268 fol. 8v

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Upper half: Moses: communicating with God -- At left, Moses, inscribed MOISES, with joined hands raised, kneeling on rocky outcrop looking up toward head of Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, emerging from cloud. Moses: addressing Elders -- Moses, inscribed MOISES, gesturing with both hands, standing before group of men inscribed DI IUDEN, three wearing hats, two with hands raised Both scenes from chapters 19 and 24 of Exodus, and 20 of Numbers. Moses: Serpent of Brass -- At right, Five men, one wearing soft peaked hat, two raising right hands, looking toward Moses, inscribed MOISES, looking back at them, indicating with both hands serpent (snake) draped over tau-cross. Next to the cross, three men, eyes closed, reclining on ground, each with serpent around neck, one biting face of man. From chapter 21 of Numbers. Lower half: Moses: Hands upheld by Aaron and Hur -- Moses, inscribed MOISES, standing flanked by Aaron and Hur, each supporting with both hands, raised arms of Moses. At right, two confronted armies of soldiers wearing helmets and armor, astried bridled horses, holding swords, spears, lances, mace, shields, and dagger. One army inscribed DI IUDEN HIR; the other DI HAIDAN HIR. From chapter 17 of Exodus.