Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
England, Oxford, ca. 1220
MS M.791 fol. 93r

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1) David: petitioned by Bathsheba -- Man, possibly Nathan, stands behind Bathsheba, veiled, raising right hand toward David, crowned, right hand raised, seated on chair.
2) Solomon: riding Mule of David -- Solomon, wearing cross surmounted hat (?), and holding foliate scepter in right hand, is astride saddled mule flanked by seven men, possibly Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah, and four priests (?), one of whom holds bridle of the mule.
3) Solomon: anointed and Solomon: crowned King -- Solomon, crowned, holding foliate scepter in right hand is seated. He is flanked by five men and by Zadok and Nathan, each with right hand on crown and each holding vessel in left hand.
4) Solomon: petitioned by Bathsheba and Adonijah: Death -- Bathsheba, veiled, seated, extends right hand hand toward David, crowned, holding foliate scepter in right hand and indicating Bathsheba with left hand, seated on bench. Behind Bathsheba are four men, one possibly holding upturned sword. At left, Benaiah, stands, holding sword in right hand and scabbard in left hand; body of Adonijah, decapited, lies outside initial.
5) Solomon: Judgment -- Two mothers and executioner, holding sword in right hand, all grasp infant, nude, before Solomon, crowned, raising right hand and holding foliate scepter in left hand, seated with legs crossed.
Scenes within initial E against background of gold, decorated with foliate and geometric ornament and architectural frames.
Beginning of I Kings.