Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
France, ca. 1260
MS M.851 fol.

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In upper register of initial P, Ahaziah, crowned, falls headlong from window in building. Two trees, sun and moon, appearing in cloudy arcs of heaven, flank building.
In lower register, two male figures, including one wearing pointed cap, indicate with right hands third male figure, wearing winged headgear, raising sword held in right hand and placing left hand on head of priest, tonsured, wearing vestments, kneeling, head bent. Behind priest is second priest (only head visible), tonsured, raising left hand, pointing.
Scenes on gold background within initial P decorated with foliate ornament, stem forming marginal extender.
Above initial P, hybrid man, horned, raising sword and shield, confronts hybrid bird, horned.
Beginning of II Kings.