Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
Germany, probably Nuremberg, between 1350 and 1400
MS M.140 fol. 21r

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Left column:
Saul: hurling Javelin at David -- David, name inscribed DAUID, playing psaltery, kneels before Saul, name inscribed SAUL, crowned. Saul holding, with right hand, javelin at head of David, is seated on bench with footrest, his right foot resting on David.
Caption, REX SAUL REDDIT DAUID MALU(M) PRO BONO, is inscribed above miniature.
Right column:
Cain: killing Abel and Cain and Abel: bringing Offerings -- In foreground, Cain, name inscribed KAYM, raising club with right hand, stands over, and grasps with left hand, head of recumbent body of Abel, name inscribed ABEL, eyes shut, bleeding from wound. At left, Cain and Abel stands facing one another, each holding bundle of branches.
Caption, KAYM DOLOSE INT(ER)FECIT ABEL FR(ATR)EM SUU(M) S(I)N(E) CAUSA, is inscribed above miniature.