Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Roman de la Rose
France, Rouen, ca. 1525
MS M.948. Fol. 195v

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Roman de la Rose: Scene, Lover in Garden -- Lover, wearing feathered cap, with arms crossed on breast, looks down toward man, lying prone on ground, reaching left hand to pool of water issuing from rock, it spills onto ground from which flock of black sheep drink, numerous other black sheep are amid woman, possibly female Personification, with right hand raising key.
In foreground, Personification of Death as skeleton, with left hand holding staff and with right hand holding chain fastened to neck of three-headed dog (Cerberus), emerging from flames and Hell Mouth, around and in which are half-figures of three devils. To right, bodies of seven men and women, some musicans, recline twisted in heap beside two lutes, drum, flute and harp.Miniature within architectual frame with decorative scrollwork.