Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
England, Yorkshire?, ca. 1400
MS M.766 fol. 46r

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Left column:
Codrus of Athens: Death -- Codrus, name inscribed REX CODRUS GRECORUM, crowned, hands crossed on breast, stands flanked by two soldiers, holding shields, one raising right arm, both next to scrolls inscribed UIUAT REX. All stand on crenellated wall of castle or city gate, flanked by two towers on which are blank escutcheons. Below, in front of portal, Codrus appears again, hands crossed on breast, flanked by two soldiers holding shields with their left hands, and stabbing Codrus with knives in his breast.
Right column:
Maccabees: Battle against Antiochus V -- Eleazar Avaran, wearing armor and helmet, reclines beneath elephant and stabs it in abdomen. Elephant bears tower in which are youth, soldiers, some holding spears, three holding shields, one round.
Caption, ELEAZAR CONFODIT ELEFANTEM, is inscribed above scene.
Text reference, PRIMO MACCAB(EES) QUINTO (?) , is in upper margin.