Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Livre des merveilles du monde
France, possibly Angers, ca. 1460
MS M.461 fol. 10r

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Livres des Merveilles du Monde: Scene, Arabia -- In background left, two fantastic creatures, possibly basilisks, stand on hill amid gemstones. In foreground left, among two men, both wearing hats and with scimitars slung over bodies, one bends over winged dragon and with right hand holding knife slices open its breast while the other man kneels and extends hands to restrain legs of the dragon. In center, atop hill, phoenix displays wings and stands amid flames. Below are five tented structures around which walk four men, wearing hats, possibly gesturing to each other, one of them holds large club. In foreground right, two men, wearing headgear, climb trees, both grasping trunk with one arm and extending other hand to raise hooked staff to two bird’s nests laden with eggs; bird in flight departs to left. Initial A of Arabie decorated with foliate ornament. Miniature for Livre de Merveilles du Monde for Arabia.