Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, 1430-1435
MS M.359 fol. 94r

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David: communicating with God -- David, crowned, wearing ermine-lined mantle and purse at waist, kneels with joined hands raised toward God, nimbed, wearing imperial (?) crown, with right hand raised and holding cross-surmounted globe in left hand, surrounded by seraphim in arc of heaven, emanating rays. Scene in landscape with harp, trees, hills, windmill, lake or sea, and buildings of city, before gold background.
Margins with ivy-rinceaux, foliate, and vinescroll ornament, with four medallions in corners:
1) David: as Musician -- David, crowned, sits on throne and plays harp held in both hands. Gold background.
2) David and Bathsheba: Bathsheba bathing -- Bathsheba, nude, wearing butterfly headdress, sits in wooden tub beneath canopy (David not shown). Gold background inscribed with gold stars.
3) Uriah the Hittite: leading Army -- Uriah, wearing helmet, armor, and spurs, sits astride horse. Behind him are other horses extending beyond frame.
4) Uriah the Hittite: Death -- Uriah, wearing helmet and armor, is transfixed in his back by sword held in both hands of armored soldier wearing surcoat. Other soldiers battle with spears behind them.