Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
England, Oxford, ca. 1220
MS M.791 fol. 261r

See more information »

Bust of Daniel against background of gold within initial D decorated with geometric ornament.
Beginning of Daniel, Prologue I.
Within initial A:
1) Nebuchadnezzar: Dream I -- Nebuchadnezzar, crowned, eyes closed, head held by left hand, is seated on bench next to idol, nude, holding object in left hand, and standing beside column.
2) Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel interpreting -- Nebuchadnezzar, crowned, holding foliate scepter in left hand, is seated, extending right hand toward Daniel, extending his right hand and holding roll in left hand, who stands before group of five men.
3) Nebuchadnezzar: Worship of Image -- Column is flanked by group of five men, three raising right hand, and by Nebuchadnezzar, crowned, raising right hand toward the men, holding foliate scepter in left hand, sitting on cushioned bench. At right are three men blowing trumpets.
4) Hebrews Three: in Fiery Furnace -- Four men stand behind Nebuchadnezzar, crowned, extending right hand toward flaming furnace with three chimneys from which emerge flames, tended by two men with implements. On furnace is medallion enclosing half figures of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, center figure orant, all embraced by half figure of Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed.
Scenes against background of gold within initial partially formed by bodies of fantastic animals and decorated with geometric and foliate ornament.