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Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

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Bible
Northeastern France, during last quarter of the 13th century
MS M.969 fol. 5v

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Beginning of Book of Genesis.
Seven days of creation are depicted in separate roundels within decorated initial I.
Uppermost roundel:
Creation Scene: 1st Day -- Christ-Logos, wearing crossed nimbus, stands with right hand raised in blessing and holding book in his left hand. Above him are clouds and at his feet are rocks and water.
Second roundel:
Creation Scene: 2nd Day -- Christ-Logos, wearing crossed nimbus, stands with right hand raised in blessing and holding book in his left hand. Above him are clouds and he stands on ground beside representation of water.
Third roundel:
Creation Scene: 3rd Day -- Christ-Logos, wearing crossed nimbus, stands with right hand raised in blessing. He is flanked by trees. Above him are clouds.
Fourth roundel:
Creation Scene: 4th Day -- Christ-Logos, wearing crossed nimbus, stands with right hand raised in blessing and holding book in his left hand. He is flanked by trees and above by sun and moon within clouds.
Fifth roundel:
Creation Scene: 5th Day -- Christ-Logos, wearing crossed nimbus, stands with right hand raised in blessing and holding book in his left hand. At right is deer and other animal. Above him are clouds, sun and moon.
Sixth roundel:
Creation Scene: 6th Day -- Christ-Logos, wearing crossed nimbus, raises right hand in blessing and with left hand pulls rib from Adam's side, from which Eve (as half-figure) emerges.
Seventh roundel:
Creation Scene: God resting -- Christ-Logos, wearing crossed nimbus, sits on arc and raises right hand in blessing and holds tripartite globe in his left hand.
In upper margin is fantastic animal and half-figure of soldier, wearing armor and holding sword in right hand.
In lower margin is bird, fantastic animal, atlas figure, supporting initial on his shoulders, and dog chasing rabbit.



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