Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 7r

See more information »

Zone 1:
1) Jacob: blessing Ephraim and Manasseh -- Beneath curtains draped over rod, bearded Jacob sits with feet on footstool. He crosses his arms, with left hand on head of Manasseh and right hand on head of Ephraim. Both kneel and are flanked by two men with hands raised. Illustration of Genesis 48:14.
2) Jacob: blessing Sons -- Beneath curtains draped over rod, bearded Jacob, seated on bed, raises right hand toward seven sons bowing heads, two with joined hands raised, and Joseph with joined hands raised, kneeling. Illustration of Genesis 49:1-27.
Zone 2:
1) Jacob: Burial, or Joseph: Burial -- One of four male figures kneels before man, with hands raised, standing at head of sarcophagus into which two men lower shrouded bearded figure; three male mourners. Illustration of Genesis 50:3, or Genesis 50:26.
2) Pharaoh: commanding Affliction of Israelites, and Israelite: Bondage -- Pharaoh, crowned, sits on bench with footstool, and holds scepter in left hand. With right hand, he directs three overseers, one kneeling, one beating Israelite setting carpenter's square to stone, and one beating Israelite with basket of stones mounting ladder. Two Israelites, one on platform, build wall with trowel and mortar; another Israelite splits stone with mallet and chisel. Illustration of Exodus 1:6-10 and Exodus 1:11-14.
Scenes with architectural frames.