Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
France or England, ca. 1260-1270
MS M.138 fol. 308v

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Initial M:
Angel, decorated nimbus, as symbol of Evangelist Matthew, seated on bench at table, writes on ruled sheet of parchment with quill, holding scraper in left hand.
Figure within decorated initial M with marginal extender.
Illustration for Prologue III of Matthew.
Initial L:
Jesse: Tree -- Three ancestors of Christ, crowned, are seated among intertwined branches of tree springing from feet of Jesse, wearing pointed hat, reclining on draped bed, head resting on left hand. Two lamps hang above him.
Figures within decorated initial L with marginal extenders, surmounted by bird.