Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 30v

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Upper vignette:
Jesse: Tree -- Jesse, wearing hat, reclines on ground. From his right side issues tree forming branches ending in flowers in which are twelve half-figures of kings, crowned.
In uppermost flower is half-figure of Virgin Mary, emitting rays, holding nude Christ Child.
Lower vignette:
Balaam: opposed by Angel -- Balaam, wearing hat and hood, mounted on ass, holds stick in right hand and bridle in left hand. Above head of the ass, half figure of angel raises sword in right hand, beside star. Scene in landscape setting.
Snail in decorated initial V.
Margins decorated with floreate border, including strawberries, violas, and thistles, inhabited by snail.