Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 255v

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Psalm 127 (Vulg., 126). Scene, Occupational: Building -- In foreground, man carries bucket, another holds hammer to stone, and third, measures dressed stone, and two wearing hats, one only partially visible, look on, one raising right hand. In background six men are on wall with two towers with pulley and large wheel. Dressed stones are at base of the wall. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including bladder cherry, strawberry, viola, cornflower, and thistle, and inhabited by hybrid man looking at reflection in mirror held in extended right paw, and by hybrid man raising ax with both paws. Text is beginning of Psalm 127 (Vulg., 126), in Vespers for Wednesday.