Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 176r

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Nebuchadnezzar: Siege of Jerusalem -- Nebuchadnezzar, wearing plumed gold helmet and armor, raising right hand, is astride caparisoned horse. He is flanked by two mounted soldiers, one possibly raising sword with right hand. Army of soldiers wearing armor, some carrying spears, is in background. Tops of buildings and towers visible beyond the army. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including bladder cherry, campanula, strawberry, thistle, cornflower and holly, and inhabited by fantastic animal and dragon (?). Text is first lesson in first nocturn for Matins on third Sunday in November.