Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
Northeastern France, during last quarter of the 13th century
MS M.969 fol. 224v

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Beginning of Esther.
Esther: before Ahasuerus -- Woman stands behind Esther, crowned, with right hand raised, stanidng before Ahasuerus, seated, crowned, holding club in right hand. Scene beneath Gothic arches, within uppermost portion of decorated initial I.
Mordecai: Triumph -- Mordecai, mounted on horse, raises right forefinger. At right is male figure, holding bridle of horse with left hand. Scene beneath Gothic arch, within center portion of decorated initial I.
Haman: hanged -- Haman, hands bound, hangs from gallows, within lowest portion of decorated initial I.
Decorated initial I is supported by atlas figure, beside which is king, crowned, raising right forefinger.
In lower margin are two groups of mounted soldiers, carrying swords and lances. At right are two men, wearing pointed caps. One of the men holds scimitar above his head and the other holds sword in both hands and transfixes head of soldier, holding shield and sword, kneeling, beside two soldiers, holding shields and swords.