Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
England, Yorkshire?, ca. 1400
MS M.766 fol. 31r

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Left column:
David: Water from Bethlehem -- David, crowned, raising right hand, holding scepter with left hand, is seated on bench. One of three soldiers, wearing armor and mail, helmets and swords, holding vials, kneels before David; the other two stand behind the first. Scrolls inscribed with names of the knights emerge from the vials: ABYSEH FR(ATER) IOAB; BANIHAS; and ELEAZARUM AZAEL.
Caption, TRES ROBUSTI ATTULERU(N)T REGI D(AUI)D AQUA(M) DE CIST(ER)NA IN BETHLEEM, is inscribed above scene.
Text reference, 2 REG(UM) 23, is in upper margin.
Right column:
Solomon: Throne -- Solomon, crowned, holding foliate scepter with left hand, is seated on throne with round top, held by arm at each side, and flanked by two lions, each with front paw supporting the throne. The throne is atop six steps, with two confronted lions on each step. Queen of Sheba, crowned, kneels on bottom step holding covered vessel.
Caption, TRONUS SALOMONIS, is inscribed above scene.
Text reference, 3 REG(UM) 10, is in upper margin.