Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
France, Paris, third quarter of the 13th century
MS M.494 fol. 330r

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Miniature in three registers:
1) Solomon: Scene, expounding Proverbs -- Solomon, crowned, wearing gloves, is seated with legs crossed on bench, holding switches in left hand. With right hand Solomon indicates three figures, tonsured, semi-nude, two holding open books, one seated on drapery and the other two on bench. Scene is against background of blue diaper below trilobed arches.
2) Solomon: Judgment -- Solomon, crowned, wearing gloves, is seated with legs crossed on bench with footstool, holding floreate scepter in left hand, and indicating with right hand executioner holding sword in raised right hand and nude infant in left hand. He is flanked by two women, veiled, with joined hands, one of whom kneels before Solomon. Scene is against background of burnished gold.
3) Legend, Gesta Romanorum XLV -- Solomon, crowned, is seated with legs crossed on bench with footstool, holding floreate scepter in left hand, and indicating with right hand small figure, possibly boy, with bow over arm and shoulder kneeling before him. To right, archer aims bow with arrow at shrouded figure, tied to tree. Scene is against background of pink diaper.
Beginning of Proverbs.