MS. Montagu e. 1

Decoration

Fine historiated border, initials. In the style of Francesco d'Antonio del Cherico. Humanistic script. (Pächt and Alexander ii. 295, pl. XXVII)

Gold 2- to 3-line initials on multi-coloured ground at the begining of sections of text.

• Type full border
• Subject Winged putti and birds against background of interlaced white stems with folliage and flowers; gold disks. Seven panels with miniatures: Love as blindfold winged putto with bow and arrow; two panels with half-figues of a young man and a woman in conversation or embracing; profile head of the author with laurel wreath; a lion; a stag; a red lily of Florence. At the bottom of the page two winged putti support a diamond ring (a Medici emblem) with a coat of arms (azure a castle argent surmounting three mounts or).

• Type initial Q(vando)
• Subject Gold 2-line initial with a figure of Pudicitia as a young woman (rubed).
• Type border, left margin
• Subject Interlaced white stems with folliage and flowers; gold disks.

• Type initial Q(vesta)
• Subject Gold 2-line initial with Death, holding a scroll.
• Type border, left margin
• Subject Interlaced white stems with folliage and flowers; gold disks.

• Type initial L(a)
• Subject Gold 2-line initial with Death, holding a scythe.
• Type border, left margin
• Subject Interlaced white stems with folliage and flowers; gold disks.

• Type border, left margin
• Subject Interlaced white stems with folliage and flowers; gold disks; panel a seated figure, holding sword and scales. Gold 2-line initial N(el).

• Type initial N(el)
• Subject Gold 2-line initial with a winged figure representing Time.
• Type border, left margin
• Subject Interlaced white stems with folliage and flowers; gold disks; panel with sand clock.

• Type border, left margin
• Subject Interlaced white stems with folliage and flowers; gold disks; panel with a half-figure of a bearded man (rubbed).