Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
England, Yorkshire?, ca. 1400
MS M.766 fol. 25r

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Left column:
Song of Solomon: Sealed Fountain -- Garden of trees with covered well, over which hangs bucket on pulley, all enclosed by wall with shut portal with lock.
Scene caption, ORTUS CONCLUSUS/FONS SIGNATUS. SIGNIFICATION MARIAM, is inscribed in upper margin.
Right column:
Balaam: opposed by Angel -- Balaam, name inscribed BALAAM, wearing Jew's hat, holding switch (?) with right hand, is astride bridled ass, holding reins with left hand. Angel, holding raised sword with right hand, and touching muzzle of the ass with left hand, stands facing Balaam.