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Boethius Discusses Music with a Group of Men
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Virgil Master
French, Paris, about 1405
Tempera colors, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment
15 3/8 x 12 in.
MS. 72, FOL. 69

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In this miniature, which introduces Boethius's text on music, the philosopher sits on a large wooden throne on the right instructing four bearded men about music. The circular gold diagram that seems to hover at the center of the scene displays tonal intervals. The lesson takes place in a grassy field where Boethius's four students sit on rocks; however, the background is filled with an intricate gold pattern set on a rich red surface.