Getty Museum

The People of God Leaving Babylon and Merchants Lamenting Babylon

Date

about 1255–1260

Medium

Tempera colors, gold leaf, colored washes, pen and ink

Culture

English

Department

Manuscripts

Institution

Getty Museum

>Therefore [Babylon's] plagues will come in one day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burnt with the fire; because God is strong, who will judge her. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived in delicacies with her, will weep and bewail themselves over her when they see the smoke of her burning. (Apocalypse 18:8-9) Packed with people, the city of Babylon burns out of control. Flames extend beyond the miniature's frame, emphasizing the fire's intensity. On the right, a group of spectators stand "far off for fear of her torments." One holds a scroll with the words *Ve civitas illa magna babilon civitas illa fortis q[uonia]m una hora venit iudiciu[m] tuu[m] et negociatores ter[r]e flebunt et lugebunt super illam* (Alas, the great city Babylon, the mighty city, for in one hour comes your judgment, and the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her). (Apocalypse 18:10-11)

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