Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours of Guiluys de Boisleux
France, Arras, after 1246
MS M.730 fol. 10v

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1) Adam and Eve: at Labor -- Hand of God emerges from cloudy arc of heaven above Eve, clothed, holding spindle and whorl, seated on mound, beside Adam, clothed, digging earth with spade.
Illustration of Genesis 03:23.
2) Cain: Birth -- Eve, veiled, with her head supported by her raised right arm, reclines on draped bed, before nude infant Cain with hands raised, carried by Adam approaching her.
Illustration of Genesis 04:01.
3) Abel: Birth -- Beside kettle hanging by chain hook from rod above fire within building, Adam kneels, bathing nude infant Abel in basin.
Illustration of Genesis 04:02.
4) Cain and Abel: bringing Offerings -- Above draped altar, Abel raises lamb, and Cain, wearing cap, raises wheat sheaf.
Illustration of Genesis 02:03-04.
Scenes 1 and 4 with gold diapered and punched backgrounds, and scenes 2 and 3 with blue backgrounds, within decorated frames.