Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 123r

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Upper vignette:
Antiochus IV: abolishing laws (I Maccabees 01:14) -- Antiochus, wearing crown, bag at his waist, stands with left hand extended toward group of men, one with right hand extended (most only tops of heads visible). In background in canopy and curtain. Scene in room.
Lower vignette:
Antiochus IV: despoiling Temple (I Maccabees 01:23) -- Man, with scimitar, holding a goblet in each hand, stands beside chest (?). At right is second man. In background, man grasps cross that is upon draped altar, and another man stands in doorway. All wear hats. Scene in room.
Caption between vignettes reads, ANTIOCH(US) DONNA LICENCE AU PEOPLE DISRA EL DE PECHIER ET PUIS FIST METTRE A DECADENCE LEUR TEMPLE QUI TANT ESTOIT CHER.
Margins decorated with floreate border, including cornflowers, inhabited by hybrid animal, winged and fly.