Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Decretals of Pope Gregory IX with the glossa ordinaria single leaves
Italy, Bologna, 1330-1335
MS M.716.2r

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1) At center of room, God the Father, cross-nimbed, seated on throne, holds crucified Christ, cross-nimbed, with dove of Holy Ghost flying between them. They are flanked by Virgin Mary, veiled, and John Baptist, both nimbed and seated, each with kneeling angel at feet. Flanking the Virgin and the Baptist are 12 Apostles, nimbed, seated, divided into two groups. In foreground are two angels, nimbed. One holds sword before crowned king kneeling in prayer, and other holds open book before pope kneeling in prayer. At top of scene, six angels, nimbed, look down.
Scene set in room and placed at head of text containing rubric for Book I of Gregory IX's Decretales.
2) In margin surrounding main text, Archangel Gabriel, nimbed, faces Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled. Soldier saint, nimbed, wearing armor, holds sword. Six putti (including two in boat) play in water. Animal in surrounding landscape.
3) Two monks pray. Miniature above rubric at end of main text.