North French Miscellany, c.1280, judgement of Solomon and mythical bird

This is one of the finest extant French Hebrew manuscripts. It was written in 1280 by a scribe named Benjamin and contains a variety of biblical, liturgical and historical texts. Several artists were responsible for the exquisite French Gothic miniatures, some of which are circular in shape, as seen in this opening. On the right, is the mythical bird, Bar-Yokhani, apparently a symbol of Jewish messianic aspirations. On the left is King Solomon delivering his judgement.

Find out more about this manuscript and other sacred texts in Expressions of Faith.