Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Matthew.
Bologna, Italy, ca. 1270
MS G.38.II, fol. 182r

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Jesse: Tree -- Jesse, decorated nimbus, eyes closed, right hand to face, seated at bottom of initial L. Vine emerging next to Jesse forming medallions enclosing busts of David, crowned, playing harp; king, gesturing with right hand, holding scroll with left hand; Virgin Mary, decorated nimbus, veiled, orant; and Christ, pearled, crossed nimbus, raising right hand in blessing, holding book with left hand.
In center margin, hybrid animal with human hands, holding raised sword with left hand, atop decorated verticle bar supported by back-turned nude figure, hands extended, each holding gold ball.
In lower margin, two medallions of decorated foliate vine, enclosing half-figures of women (saints), decorated nimbi, one holding cross with right hand, raising left hand; the other, crowned, raising right hand, holding book with left hand.