Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
Italy, Padua, ca. 1287-1300
MS M.436 fol. 156r

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Initial:
1) Temple of Zerubbabel: Building -- In upper register of initial I, man, wearing hat, looks up at trowel raised in his right hand to top of arch. He holds stone (?) or tool with left hand; basin rests on ledge of opening of arch.
2) Cyrus the Great: Proclamation -- In lower register of initial I beneath trefoil arch, Cyrus the Great, wearing crown or hat, seated on bench, looks and indicates with right hand, upward.
Scene within initial decorated with foliate ornament.
Margin:
Gold balls, and vine decorated with balls and foliate ornament terminating in foliate medallion enclosing bird.
Beginning of Ezra.