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Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

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Genesis.
Bologna, Italy, ca. 1270
MS G.38.I, fol. 004r

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Initial I with medallions enclosing:
1) Creation Scene: 1st Day -- Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, as half-figure, raising right hand in blessing over disk held with left hand. Medallion is flanked by busts of two men.
2) Creation Scene: 2nd Day -- Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, as half-figure, raising right hand in blessing, flanked by two patches of blue firmament.
3) Creation Scene: 3rd Day -- Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, as half-figure, raising right hand in blessing, flanked by two waves of water.
4) Creation Scene: 4th Day -- Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, as half-figure, raising right hand toward sun and moon in firmament.
5) Creation Scene: 5th Day -- Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, as half-figure, raising right hand in blessing toward bird perching on His draped left hand.
6) Creation Scene: 6th Day and Eve:Creation -- Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, as half-figure, extending right hand to head of Eve emerging from side of Adam, eyes closed, resting head on left hand.
7) Creation Scene: God resting -- Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, as half-figure, raising right hand in blessing.
8) Christ: Crucifixion -- Below 7th medallion, arched architectural space enclose Christ, crossed nimbus, head inclined, eyes closed, wearing loin cloth, arms extended, feet on suppedaneum (no nails or wounds visible). Cross with blank titulus is flanked by Virgin Mary, decorated nimbus, veiled, right hand raised, and by Evangelist John, nimbed, head inclined. Hanging below is medallion enclosing Lamb of God, crossed nimbus, holding cross-staff with right hoof. Medallion is flanked by Four Beasts, pearled nimbi, winged, with human bodies, each holding book both hands.
Beginning of Genesis.
In upper margin, foliate vine issues from heads or masks of two animals, mouths open showing teeth. Two large birds, each holding round object in open beak perch on the vines. Vines terminate in medallions each enclosing bust of man (saint), pearled nimbus, holding book.
Holy Women: at Sepulcher -- In left lower margin, foliate medallion enclosing three Holy Women, pearled nimbi, veiled, foremost holding covered jar, facing foliate medallion at far right enclosing angel, nimbed, gesturing with both hands, seated on sarcophagus; two soldiers sleeping next to the sarcophagus, one resting head on right hand, left hand extended to shield.



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