Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
Northeastern France, during last quarter of the 13th century
MS M.969 fol. 357v

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Beginning of II Maccabees.
Maccabees Seven: Martyrdom -- Antiochus IV, crowned, seated in throne, raises right hat. Beside him is soldier, wearing armor, raising right hand in which he holds sword to strike Maccabee, kneeling, hands crossed, bleeding from neck. He is flanked by another Maccabee, kneeling, hands crossed, bleeding from neck and hands, and by man (?) hands crossed.
In left margin, beside decorated initial is Salomona of Antioch (mother of Maccabees Seven), veiled, surrounded by four of her sons. Below them is hybrid bird, wearing crown, mounted soldier, carrying lance, and man, holding spear in both hands.