cotton ms vitellius c iii

An elaborate architectural frontispiece engraving featuring a central rectangular void for a title. The structure is supported by two prominent Corinthian columns.

At the top center, a semi-circular arch reveals a detailed cityscape of London, dominated by Old St. Paul's Cathedral. Above the cathedral, the heavens open with a radiant sun containing the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, with rays shining down upon the church.

In the upper left, a woman with long hair kneels beside a skull (likely Mary Magdalene). In the upper right, a king in regal attire sits with a crown and scepter.

Flanking the central columns are two allegorical figures: on the left, a woman with young children representing Charity; on the right, a woman with a sword and scales representing Justice.

At the very bottom, within a central niche in the pedestal, a woman sits with her arms crossed over her chest in a gesture of piety or humility. Below the engraving, a handwritten signature is visible.

J. Ph.