Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Missal
Italy, Rome, ca. 1483
MS M. 306 fol. 18r

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Initial I:
John Baptist: I am not the Christ -- Three male figures stand before John Baptist, nimbed, wearing tunic, seated on rock beside bush. He points with both hands to figures.
Scene occurs within initial I composed of classical column.
Margins:
Foliate border, inhabited by figures, frames text.
Left border is composed of candelabrum forms inhabited by animal skull and putto.
In right border are putto and horse on hind legs within canopy surmounted by acanthus leaves.
In lower border is face of bearded male figure with head of animal's (lion?) face.