Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
France, Amiens, 1297-1310
MS M.796 fol. 1r

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Psalm 001 (Vulg., 001):
1) David: as Musician -- David, crowned, sits on bench, left hand raised, right hand on positive organ behind which stands youth.
2) David: slinging at Goliath -- David, right hand swinging stone in sling, stones in fold of garment in left hand, stands before Goliath, wearing helmet and chain mail, scabbard at waist, both hands holding spear. Dog stands between them. Herd on hillock.
Scenes against patterned gold background within initial B decorated with foliate and interlace ornament.
Initial B, volutes:
3) Two musicians, seated, in terminal medallions, play fiddle and shawm.
In right margin, three quatrilobes, each enclosing musician, seated on bench, playing psaltery, gittern (?), and harp, all along foliate bar decorated with fleurs-de-lis.
In lower margin (bas-de-page), along foliate bar, bird; man picking leaves; man plunging sword into lion, his left arm in its jaws, suggesting David slaying lion; man, half-nude, wearing cap, left hand holding spear; three heraldic shields -- 1) barry of argent and of gules, 2) gules a cross or, 3) [not readable]; two birds.
In upper margin, two dogs and owl sit on initial B. Along foliate extension, bird sits and dog chases rabbit.
In left margin, bird sits on foliate extension.