Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Les abus du monde
France, Rouen, ca. 1510
M.42 fol. 22v

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Man (personification of Blasphemy), wearing hat, holds sword in raised right hand. Below him is inscription BLAPHEME. He stands beside woman (personification of Earth), her dress covered with flowers and with inscription LA TERRE. On her shoulders is man (personification of Trouble), wearing hat, holding serpent in left hand and arrow in right hand. Above him is inscription INCONVENIENT. Touching his left leg is man (personification of Cupidity), wearing hat, surmounted by inscription ACCVERRE.
In background are four piles of playing cards.
Figures are surrounded by architectural frame, at bottom of which is putto holding garlands in both hands.