Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
Belgium, Ghent, 1270-1280
MS M.72 fol. 14v

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Psalm 001 (Vulg., 001).
Initial B:
1) Christ: Resurrection -- Within upper bow of initial B, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, wearing mantle, steps from sarcophagus. He raises His right hand in blessing and holds left hand up, showing wounds. He is flanked by three sleeping soldiers. One soldier rests against sarcophagus.
2) Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- Within lower bow of Initial B, Christ, decorated crossed nimbus, holds cross-staff in right hand and treads on horned devil. He grasps arm of Adam, nude, stepping from Hell Mouth, before gates of Hell. Behind Adam emerges Eve, nude, hands clasped. Bishop, wearing miter, and fourth figure stand behind Eve (only heads visible).
Border and Margins:
Scenes enclosed within Initial B decorated with foliate ornament and framed by borders decorated with heraldic motifs, fleur-de-lis and eagles, in medallions and lozenges.
EATUSVIR is writtin in decorated medallions in lower border of decorated frame.
Rabbit, centaur, hawk, dragon, squirrel and crane appear on border decoration in margins.