MS. Rawl. Q. b. 5

Decoration

In various styles (Pächt and Alexander iii. 179, pl. XIX):

Fine historiated and other initials.

fol. 5v

• Type initial I
• Subject Band, edged with gold, decorated with geometric designs, acanthus leaves, animal head and four medallions with bearded heads.

• Type initial L
• Subject Band, edged with gold, decorated with eleven square panels, where a four-petalled flower alternates with other designs (three heads, an eagle and a lion).

• Type initial H
• Subject Interlace, acanthus-leaf designs. The loop of the initial is formed by a dragon; a mask decorates the top of the ascender.

• Type initial T
• Subject Christ, seated in green and gold mandorla, holding a book and blessing; a gold bar with two lions above.

• Type initial P
• Subject A young man with a sword and shield faces a dragon with a knotted tail. Interlace, acanthus-leaf designs, three human faces inside the loop of the initial.

• Type initial F
• Subject Two figures with long hair and ankle-length robes cutting leaves from a plant with knives. Two grotesques form horizontal bars of the initial.

• Type initial C
• Subject Mythological beast surrounded by coiled tendrils and acanthus leaves.

• Type initial O
• Subject Seated crowned Solomon embraces a female figure.

• Type initial O
• Subject Interlace, acanthus-leaf designs, two profile human heads.

• Type initial A
• Subject Coiled tendrils with foliage and flowers, mask, bird, winged grotesque with floral decoration growing out of its mouth and human hand clutching its feet.

Gold initials, decorated with interlace, coiled tendrils, foliage, flowers and geometric designs on fols. 23r, 38r, 77r, 95r, 123v, 151r, 159r, 163v, 187r and 199v.

Unfinished initials on fols. 96v, 96v and 170r.

Good sketches in margins on fols. 120r and 123v (human half-figure and faces)