Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Histoire universelle depuis la Création jusqu’a César
France, ca. 1390-1400
MS M.516 fol. 19r

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Tower of Babel: Building -- In right miniature is tower, at top of which are pullies supporting stones. Figures carrying stones walk up scaffold. On ground are three men. One wears hat and grasps stone; one holds chisel with which he breaks stones; and third carries stone. In lower miniature, man, wearing hat, sits on ground and holds in both hands bellows, with which he stokes fire in kiln or oven. Beside him is man, wearing hat, holding stone, and man, wearing hat, holding stick in right hand, with which he touches stones in the kiln. At right is giant Nimrod, wearing hood. He raises right forefinger and holds stick in left hand. He stands upon ladder that crosses over margin into the upper miniature. Upper and center margins are decorated with floreate border.