Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Historien Bibel
Germany, between 1375 and 1400
MS M.268 fol. 18v

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Upper half: David: in Prayer -- At left, David, crowned, kneeling with two other men before draped altar on which is candlestick and book, all below canopy. Asahel: Death (?) -- At right, Abner, wearing helmet and armor, astride bridled horse, shield at left side, with lance in right hand stabs in back, Asahel, bleeding from wounds, riding away with three other soldiers. Both scenes from chapter 2 of II Samuel (Vulg., II Kings). Lower half: David: brought Head of Ishbosheth -- At left, David, crowned, raising right hand, seated on throne with canopy, looks toward three men, one kneeling, extending with both hands, head of Ishbosheth and others, on plate Baanah and Rechab: Death -- At right, man wearing hat climbing ladder leaning against gallows from which hang three men, eyes closed, hands behind backs. David, crowned, looking on, standing at right with three men. Both scenes from chapter 4 of II Samuel (Vulg., II Kings).