Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 2r

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Zone 1:
1) Adam and Eve: Expulsion -- Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed, stands with book with one strap in draped left hand and raises right hand. Nimbed angel, with sword in right hand, pushes Adam and Eve, both covered with fig leaves, through Gate of Paradise. Illustration of Genesis 3:24.
2) Adam and Eve: at Labor -- Eve, half clothed, seated on rock, holds spindle and distaff; Cain and Abel gather faggots; Adam, half clothed, digs with spade; tree. Illustration of Genesis 3:23.
Zone 2:
1) Cain and Abel: bringing Offerings -- Abel raises lamb on draped hands, and Cain raises sheaf of grain; both flank altar; above, half figure of Christ-Logos, cross-nimbed, emerges from cloud and lowers right hand toward Abel. Illustration of Genesis 4:3-7.
To right, Cain killing Abel -- Cain raises mattock above Abel, with bloody wound in head, collapsing to ground. Illustration of Genesis 4:8.
2) Lamech: slaying Man -- Cain, in thicket, is pierced in breast with arrow shot by blind Lamech, bearded, with three arrows at waist, holding bow, led by youth. Illustration of Genesis 4:23.
Scenes with architectural frames.