2-732-156 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Initial E from a Municipal Law Book: The Last Judgment, c. 1330. This initial E serves as a frame for the figure of Christ, who sits upon the rainbow of the covenant. His bleeding wounds are obvious to the viewer, and the sword of justice emanates from his mouth. Above, outside the initial, two trumpet-blowing angels emerge from the heavenly realm to announce the final judgment of humankind, while below, the dead rise from their graves. The image provides a visual message of justice, retribution, and accountability—a fitting subject for a law book.