Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 15r

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Zone 1:
1) Samson: drinking from Jawbone -- Samson, with right hand raised, kneels before jawbone of ass giving forth water. Two trees. Illustration of Judges 15:19.
2) Samson: carrying Gates of Gaza -- Some of six Philistines, in mail, armed with spears and axes, pry gates of Gaza; Samson, twice represented, carries gates of Gaza and climbs hill. Illustration of Judges 16:2,3.
Zone 2:
1) Samson: with Delilah -- Three Philistines in mail, armed with sword and spear, stand beside Delilah seated on cushioned bench, with scissors cutting hair of Samson sleeping on her lap; tree. Illustration of Judges 16:19.
2) Samson: blinded by Philistines -- Samson prostrate, with his head in lap of kneeling Philistine, is bound by two Philistines; one puts out eyes of Samson; some, in mail, are armed with spears, axe, and notched falchion. Illustration of Judges 16:21.
Scenes with architectural frames.