Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
France or England, ca. 1260-1270
MS M.138 fol. 139v

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Cyrus the Great: Proclamation -- Decorated initial I divided into six registers, including:
Register 1: Male figure striking roof with hammer held in raised right hand.
Register 2: Male figure striking surface with hammer held in raised left hand.
Register 3: Building, possibly tower.
Register 4: Male figure, wearing hat, carrying large container filled with bricks or stones.
Register 5: Cyrus the Great, crowned, holding scepter in left hand, extends right hand toward figure above.
Register 6: Hybrid animal with foliate tail.
Illustration for Ezra 1:1-4.