Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Register of creditors of a Bolognese lending society
Italy, Bologna, 1390-1400
MS M.1056v

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Two scenes in individual compartments with gold frames.
1) Apostle Peter, nimbed, sits on carved stone bench and holds raised key in right hand and open book with pseudo-inscription with left hand on left knee. S[ANCTUS] PETRVS inscribed near feet. Background with gold foliate and scroll design.
2) Scene, Occupational: Gold-beating -- Goldbeater, wearing hood, with raised mallet in right hand, sits on stool before anvil and pounds gold bar held in left hand on the anvil. He is surrounded by two bags of gold, open coffer of gold with two clasps, and piles of gold. Blue background with scroll design around edges.
In initial A is nimbed man (saint), with right hand raised in blessing.
Left and upper margins with vinescroll and gold dots. In corner is human head, possibly wearing hat and blowing horn. Amid vinescroll in upper margin is possibly head of fantastic animal with mouth open. At lower left margin is male figure.