Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
England, Oxford, ca. 1220
MS M.791 fol. 170r

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Initial B of Gallican version:
Psalm 1 (Vulg., 1).
David and Musicians -- David, crowned, is seated with legs crossed on cushioned bench, playing harp, amid four musicians, three playing viol, one blowing horn.
Scene within initial against background of gold, decorated with interlace, foliate ornament and animal head.
Initial B of Hebraic version:
Psalm 1 (Hebr., 1).
1) David: arming himself before Saul -- Three attendants standing behind him, Saul, crowned, seated on bench formed of foreparts of two animals, holds foliate scepter in right hand and with left indicates two attendants arming David, wearing mail with helmet and shield.
2) David: encountering Goliath (David slinging) -- Below, youthful David, wearing purse over right shoulder, stone extended in sling in right hand, holding pedum in left hand, stands opposite Goliath wearing helmet and mail, holding bannered spear in right hand and shield in left.
Scenes within initial against background of gold, decorated with interlace, foliate ornament and animal mask.