Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 5r

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Zone 1:
1) Joseph: sent to Shechem -- Jacob, with tau-staff in right hand, sits in chair with footstool under draped curtain, with left hand addressing Joseph holding pitcher in right hand and two loaves in draped left hand; tree. Illustration of Genesis 37:13,14.
Joseph: cast into Pit -- To right, two of eight brethren lower Joseph into pit; one, wearing cap, holds cloak; sheep and tree. Illustration of Genesis 37:24.
2) Joseph: sold to Ishmaelites -- Brethren, including two wearing caps, draw Joseph from pit by rope; to right, one (Judah) of brethren holds Joseph by hand and receives moneybag from Ishmaelite.
To right, Joseph rides on camel beside camel, and Ishmaelite, wearing cap and holding staff, rides on camel. Both figures hold reins (Journey to Egypt). Illustration of Genesis 37:28.
Zone 2:
1) Jacob: shown Coat of Joseph -- One of ten brethren shows cloak to Jacob, wearing pointed cap, seated on chair with footstool, raising his hands. Illustration of Genesis 37:32-34.
2) Joseph: before Potiphar's Wife -- Under arch, Potiphar's wife grasps vair-lined cloak of Joseph raising his hands, looking back, and departing to right. Illustration of Genesis 39:12.
Joseph: as Interpreter of Dreams -- To right, Joseph raises right hand, between sleeping baker holding dish of loaves pecked by bird and sleeping butler holding cup of grapes. Bird flies away with piece of bread in its beak. All are in prison, with red portals, knocker, and keylock. Illustration of Genesis 40:5-19.
Scene with architectural frames.