Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
England, probably London or Canterbury, 1310-1320
MS G.53 fol. 6r

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Psalm 001 (Vulg., 001):
1) Jesse: Tree -- Jesse reclines with head on pillow. Branches, springing from side, enclose the following figures: Virgin Mary nimbed, veiled, crowned, fruit in right hand, seated, holding Christ child, nimbed, spherical object in left hand, right hand raised, seated on her left knee; David, crowned, seated, playing harp; king, crowned, seated, sword in right hand, left hand raised; Solomon, crowned, seated, model of temple in right hand; two prophets holding books, one wearing hat, the other cap.
Scene against gold background in foliate initial B.
2) David: slinging at Goliath -- David, holding stones in garment with left hand and sling in right hand, stands before Goliath wearing chain mail, armed with spear in right hand, shield decorated with human face in left hand, and sword.
Scene in lower margin (bas-de-page) along foliate bar.
In right margin, animal masks, interlace, and foliate ornament.
In left margin, foliate extension with interlace from initial B.