Img. ID: 769
Hebrew Illuminated Manuscripts  

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Fols. 10v-11:

The two Egyptian cities Pithom and Ra'amses are depicted as castles in the extreme margins of the two facing pages, creating a symmetrical composition. 

Fol. 10v:

At the foot of a tall castle, depicted in the outer margin and representing the city Pithom (inscribed), are four Israelites mixing mortar, climbing a ladder and carrying baskets. On their left is an Egyptian taskmaster with a raised club, who watches them working (Ex. 1:11). Inscribed near the Israelites:

"לטורח גדול ולא למרגיעה/ היה להם כל שעה." 

"Hard work with no rest was for them every hour."

Inscribed near the Egyptian:

"ויכם השוטר על מוחם/ עד כמעט פרחה רוחם."

"The guard hit them on their heads (literary: brains) almost until their soul fled."

The castle is surrounded by a moat with water and swans in it.