Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, ca. 1470
MS M.167 fol. 84r

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1) David: communicating with God -- David, wearing ermine collar, kneels with joined hands, before harp on floor and crown on cabinet, and beside throne of canopy type decorated with tapestry, and looks up toward God, nimbed, as half figure, with right hand raised in blessing, in starred and rayed arc of heaven.
In background behind patterned fabric:
2) David: slinging at Goliath -- Young David, as shepherd, swings sling. Goliath, wearing helmet and armor, with halberd in right hand, bleeds from wound in head. Five sheep stand beside them.
Scene in landscape setting with trees, river, hill, mountain, and castle in background, all within arched gold frame.
Initial D inhabited by peacock.
In right margin, hybrid bird.
In lower margin (bas-de-page), fool, holding bauble in right hand, rides (mounted on) bridled cat opposite hybrid animal.
Margins decorated with foliate border of acanthus leaves, flowers, strawberries, and two birds (one piercing breast).