Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Farnese Hours
Italy, Rome, 1546
M.69, fol. 49r

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Miniature:
Ahasuerus: crowning Esther -- Ahasuerus, crowned, seated on throne supported by lions, holding crown with both (?) hands, leans forward holding crown over head of Esther, hands crossed on breast, kneeling before Ahasuerus. Next to Ahasuerus stand three men, two wearing hats, one wearing hood. Behind Esther stand six (?) women, one back-turned, two in conversation, three, only heads visible.
Upper margin:
In center, medallion enclosing sacrificial scene (?), with altar on which is object, flanked by five (?) figures, one, with joined hands raised, kneeling on one knee next to the altar.
Left margin:
In panel, seated nude figure with a second behind; male figure wearing headgear supporting the panel and standing on pedestal with panel in which is partially nude figure, seated, right arm leaning on wall (?).
Right margin:
In panel, seated figure possibly wearing headdress; male figure wearing headgear supporting the panel and standing on pedestal with panel in which is seated figure.
Lower margin:
Virgin Mary: Assumption -- In center, medallion enclosing twelve apostles surrounding sarcophagus, all looking up, three indicating upwards, one shielding eyes. Virgin Mary not visible.
Text is from Hours of the Virgin, Compline