Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 4v

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Zone 1:
1) Jacob and Rachel: at Well -- Jacob lifts stone from well; Rachel pours water from pitcher into trough for four sheep, including two drinking. Illustration of Genesis 29:9-10.
Jacob: choosing between Leah and Rachel -- To right, Leah stands behind Rachel, wearing snood, with her right hand held by Laban and extended toward Jacob, wearing hood, holding pedum in left hand and extending right hand toward Laban. All stand before building; four sheep in foreground. Illustration of Genesis 29:16-19.
2) Jacob and Laban: making Alliance -- Four attendants, armed with spears and halberd, stand behind Laban and Jacob, both with hands clasped over pile of stones. Leah, seated, holds son seated on her lap. Son extends his hands toward Rachel, wearing kerchief, seated, with right hand rocking child in cradle and holding object in left hand. Two handmaids, one, veiled, holding bowl, and two sons stand in tent; four sheep stand in foreground. Illustration of Genesis 31:43-53.
Zone 2:
1) Jacob: wrestling with Angel -- Jacob wrestles with angel. Illustration of Genesis 32:24-27.
Jacob: at Penuel -- To right, sun in clouds appears above tree; Jacob, holding staff in right hand, crosses over stream with his wives, children and flock. Illustration of Genesis 32:31.
2) Jacob and Esau: meeting -- Jacob and Esau embrace before tree, flanked by Leah, Rachel, veiled, with child, and two groups of male attendants, some gesturing; flock in background. Illustration of Genesis 33:4.
Scenes with architectural frames.