Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
England, Oxford, ca. 1220
MS M.791 fol. 36v

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1) Moses: communicating with God -- Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed, raising right hand, appears in opening of Tabernacle of Israel beside Moses wearing hat, holding flowering rod in left hand.
2) Moses: Rebellion of Korah or Moses: Census -- Aaron, wearing hat, raising right hand, stands behind Moses, wearing hat, who holds flowering rod in right hand and with left hand indicates Korah (?), right hand raised, standing opposite with three men.
3) Moses: Destruction of Korah -- Cloud-edged arc of heaven is above falling buildings and eight falling figures being swallowed by earth.
4) Moses: smiting Rock -- Aaron, wearing cap, raising right hand, stands behind Moses, wearing cap, holding flowering rod in right hand, with left hand indicating stream from which two animals are drinking. Opposite are five Israelites.
5) Balaam: Balak sending Messengers -- Balak, crowned, raising right hand and holding sword in left hand is seated, flanked by two messengers, one holding staff.
6) Balaam: opposed by Angel -- Beside saddled ass, Balaam, wearing cap, holding tau-staff in right hand, extends left hand toward angel, nimbed, raising right hand.
Scenes within initial L against background of gold, decorated with foliate ornament inhabited by fantastic animals. Beside medallions, two soldiers, one wearing cap, holding sword in right hand and shield in left and the other wearing helmet, raising right hand and holding shield in left hand.
Beginning of Numbers.