Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Ezra.
Bologna, Italy, ca. 1270
MS G.38.I, fol. 187r

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Temple of Zerubbabel: Building -- Initial I as tower, atop which stands man, grasping terminus of decorated vertical bar. Top level of the tower is vault supported by four slender columns; below, man holds trowel (?) with right hand, holding block with raised left hand. At bottom, Cyrus the great, crowned, indicating upward with right hand, holding rod with left hand, seated on bench, looking upward.
Beginning of Ezra.
Below the initial intertwined animal heads of two-headed serpent (?), vines emerging from mouths open, showing teeth. They are flanked by two medallions of decorated foliate vine, each enclosing tonsured cleric, holding rod with right hand.