Getty Museum

Initial Q: A Judge Pointing to Two Men with a Ram

Date

about 1290–1310

Medium

Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink

Culture

Spanish

Department

Manuscripts

Institution

Getty Museum

Medieval law books, like this one from the kingdom of Aragon, addressed all aspects of medieval life and society, including animal care and ownership. The text on this page, beginning with the large letter *Q* on the left, concerns astates the law about theft:that ifa someonethief steals a breeding ram, he must pay the owner back with a ram of equal ability. As the judge, seated on the left, presides over the case, the ram is returned to his presumable owner, on the right. The figureshepherd at the center of the initial is likely the shepherd who, a witnessed to the crime. He, stands before an altar, emphasizing the legitimacy of his testimony.

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