Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 9v

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Zone 1:
1) Moses: sweetening Waters of Marah -- Aaron stands behind Moses placing trunk of tree in water; three of four Israelites drink from goblets, one holds pail, and two hold pitchers; in foreground, four sheep drink. Above, Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed, emerges from cloud. Illustration of Exodus 15:25.
2) Moses: communicating with God -- Moses stands with rod in draped left hand, and raises his right hand toward head of Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed, in cloud. Illustration of Exodus 16:11,12.
Moses: Miracle of Manna -- To right, manna fall from clouds upon two of five Israelites; three kneel, gathering manna; three hold bowls, and one a basket. Illustration of Exodus 16:13-15.
Zone 2:
1) Moses: smiting Rock -- Aaron stands behind Moses with rod in right hand, smiting rock; three sheep drink; one of four Israelites fills pitchers, two hold pitcher and bowl. Above, Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed, emerges from cloud. Illustration of Exodus 17:6.
2) Moses: Hands upheld by Aaron and Hur -- Three mounted soldiers, wearing visors and mail, are armed with lances; the foremost, Joshua, rides caparisoned horse and holds heraldic shield (azure lion rampant argent). They confront in combat Amalek, crowned, holding round shield (gules) and mounted on caparisoned horse, accompanied by two mounted horsemen, all in mail, armed with lances. In foreground, two of four footsoldiers blow trumpets and two others beat drums (Moses, Aaron and Hur not represented). Illustration of Exodus 17:10-13.
Scenes with architectural frames.