[split] Ms. germ. fol. 642

[-JKP-]

I don't have time right now to read the pages before and after, but I glanced through the text to the right of the person in the fish.

It's very much like modern astrological/horoscopic writings. It describes the personal traits and proclivities of someone born under the sign of Pisces. Amiable, honorable, what kind of things he prefers to eat, and how he might relate to other people.

[R. Sale]

JKP,

Good enough. Perhaps it is the fate of Pisces to be eaten by a fish.

[Koen G]

The MS links a biblical scene to each sign of the Zodiac. For Pisces, Jonah is an obvious choice. The figure is a very clear Jonah because he is typically shown thanking the Lord while re-emerging from the fish (praying hands). 

I agree it's a big shame so much of this MS is damaged, we are missing out on some potentially unique images...

[R. Sale]

Right you are. Praying hands.
Would you guys make up my mind?

[-JKP-]

I wonder if they are implying that Jonah might have had the personality of a Pisces, based on the Bible story.

[MichelleL11]

I just find the placement of the person-eating fish on grass so bizarre.  But maybe the illustrator just liked drawing grass better than water?

[Koen G]

It makes sense if you know the Bible verse (which they certainly did by heart):

Jonah 2:10 "And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land."

[R. Sale]

Yes, indeed. Where else would you want the whale to let you off?

So despite the text, this is Jonah, for several reasons above. 

There is still a strong sense of similar design.

Is there any better info on the actual provenance?? Where and when it was made?

[-JKP-]

These books were popular in the 15th century (especially second half) and tended to be from the Bavaria/Tirol/Schwabia region.

There is one from the late 14th century.  Cod. Ser. nova 2652 It is possibly from Austria although if I remember correctly they didn't specify the origin.

[Helmut Winkler]

Yes, indeed. Where else would you want the whale to let you off?

So despite the text, this is Jonah, for several reasons above. 

There is still a strong sense of similar design.

Is there any better info on the actual provenance?? Where and when it was made?

3. Viertel 15. Jahrhundert, Franken

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