Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
Italy, Padua, ca. 1287-1300
MS M.436 fol. 178r

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Initial:
Esther: before Ahasuerus -- In upper register, Ahasuerus, crowned, holding scepter with right hand, extends left hand to Esther, crowned, right hand raised.
In lower register, Mordecai, right hand raised to face, is seated on bench.
Scene within initial I decorated with foliate ornament and with foliate extenders inhabited by hybrid man with long neck and body evolving from foliage, and by dog.
Margin:
Gold balls, and vine decorated with balls and foliate ornament.
Beginning of Esther.