Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Histoire ancienne jusqu’à César
Belgium, ca. 1460
MS M.212 fol. 108r

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Cyrus the Great: Scene, Exposition -- Harpagus, wearing feathered cap and cape, is mounted on saddled and bridled horse, extending nude infant Cyrus the Great to extended hands of Mithridates, wearing hood, with pedum held in crook of left arm, flock of approximately 15 sheep in distance. Scene in landscape with trees, against gold sky. Figures painted in grisaille. Margins decorated with floreate and foliate border above and below left column, including daisies and strawberries, miniature within gold frame. Written instruction to the illuminator, "aynsi quil fust baillu au pastore au bois," in left margin. Initial B of Bien decorated with foliate and floreate ornament.