Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
England, perhaps Oxford, ca. 1265
MS G.42 fol. 149v

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Esther, crowned, facing right, kneels with hands joined and raised on blue patterned background within initial L decorated with foliate ornament and human head with fillet.
Initial I, within architectural setting encloses:
1) Esther: before Ahasuerus -- Ahasuerus, crowned, is seated on cushioned bench, his left hand on his breast, and with his right hand, extending sceptor to Esther, crowned, kneeling below.
2) Haman: hanged -- At bottom, Haman, blindfolded, wearing long loin cloth, his hands behind his back, hangs by rope attached to frame, around his neck.
Scenes on blue or pink patterned background within initial decorated with marginal extension containing animal head and foliate ornament.
Beginning of Esther.