Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Historien Bibel
Germany, between 1375 and 1400
MS M.268 fol. 3r

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Upper half: Cain and Abel: bringing Offerings -- At left, Abel, inscribed ABELL, raising lamb, opposite Cain, inscribed CAYM, raising sheaf of wheat with both hands, both kneeling and looking up toward God, nimbed, emerging from cloud, extending right hand in blessing. Cain: killing Abel -- Cain, inscribed CAYM, wearing purse at waist, raising axe or mattock with both hands, standing over Abel, inscribed ABELL, raising right hand. Cain: repentant -- Cain, wearing purse at waist, carring axe or mattock over left shoulder, raising right hand, looking up toward head of Christ-Logos, crossed nimbus, emerging from cloud. All scenes from chapter 4 of Genesis. Lower half: Lamech: slaying Man -- At left, Lamech, eyes closed, raising right hand, grasping bow with left hand, standing behind youth, grasping garment of Lamech with raised right hand and indicating with left hand man amid trees, arms raised, arrow piercing breast. From chapter 4 of Genesis. God: seeing Wickedness of Man -- Two men extending right hands to the other’s chin, seated next to each other on bench. God: seeing Wickedness of Man -- Woman wearing wimpled veil, holding crown of flowers above head of man kneeling before her. Both scenes from chapter 6 of Genesis.