This illustration appeared in a manuscript dating from the 12th century. The illumination was applied in the form of a colour outline drawing. A man, identified by an inscription in the upper part of the image as “Cassiodorus Senator”, is seated on a pedestal. He wears a Roman robe and a striped toque. His face is thin and he has a striking, long plaited beard. Cassiodorus looks to the right, his right arm bent, his index finger pointing upwards in an instructive gesture. On his knees is an open book which he holds with his left hand. We can see the inscribed pages, with the suggestion of a few Latin words.