Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 41r

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Upper vignette:
Jacob and Esau: Selling of Birthright -- Esau, quivers in bag at waist, holds bow in left hand and with right hand takes bowl extended by Jacob. Scene in front of buildings, within architectural frame.
Lower vignette:
Adam and Eve: Fall of Man -- Female-headed serpent, entwined about tree, is flanked by Adam, raising left hand in which he holds apple, and Eve, extending left hand. Both are nude and cover their nakedness with leaves held in their right hands. Scene in landscape setting, within architectural frame.
Caption between vignettes reads, LE DROIT DE PRIMOGENITURE QUE ESAU VE(N)DIT A SON FRERE LA GLOUTONNIE NOUS FIGURE D'ADAM (ET) DE EUE NOTRE MERE.
Margins decorated with floreate border, inhabited by bird and by fantastic animal, winged.
Fly within decorated initial D.