Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours
Belgium, Liège, ca. 1280s
MS M.183 fol. 13r

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Initial Q:
Psalm 001 (Vulg., 001).
Within three-storied building of architectural settings, resting on two supporting figures (caryatids), in right margin of text of Psalm 1:
1) Adam and Eve: Fall of Man -- Eve and Adam, holding fruit, flank tree entwined by human-headed serpent (Lilith).
2) Adam and Eve: knowing Nakedness -- Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed, stands with scroll in right hand, before Adam pointing to Eve, each hiding behind tree. Outside the building to right, serpent.
3) Adam and Eve: Expulsion -- In turret of gate of Paradise nimbed angel with sword in raised right hand drives away Adam and Eve, both clothed, with hands clasped.
Psalm 002 (Vulg., 002).
4) Adam and Eve: at Labor -- Eve, veiled, seated, spins with distaff and suckles infant Cain in swaddling clothes, and Adam digs with spade.
Scene within initial Q supported by hybrid man.
Margin, upper:
Curvilinear bar formed by scrolling foliage and winged hybrid man of monk's head with dragon's body.
Margin, lower:
Curvilinear bar formed by scrolling foliage issued from tail of the supporting hybrid man of the initial Q, enclosing David as musician, crowned, seated with legs crossed on bench, playing harp. Below, two birds confronting.