Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible
Austria, perhaps Vienna, ca. 1435
MS M.230 fol. 19r

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New Testament:
Christ: Harrowing of Hell -- Angel, holding spear with right hand and sword with left hand is behind Christ, nimbed, body draped, carrying bannered cross-staff with left hand. He extends right hand, showing wound, to foremost figure of four emerging through doorway of crumbling building. Devil, hands to head, looks from behind the door. Another devil visible in window above.
Caption DIE ERLÖSUNG DER ALTUÄTTER is above miniature.
Prophets:
At left, half-figure of Isaiah, wearing hat holding with both hands scroll with inscription cited as Isaiah 9; below half-figure of Hosea holding with both hands scroll with inscription cited as Hosea 13.
At right, half-figure of Zechariah, mouth open showing teeth, holding with both hands scroll with inscription cited as Zechariah 9; below, half-figure of Isaiah, wearing turban-like hat, holding with both hands scroll with inscription cited as Isaiah 53.
Old Testament:
1) David: slinging at Goliath -- David, crowned and wearing headgear, extends right hand backward holding sling, and holds stone with left hand. He stands facing Goliath, wearing helmet and armor, holding large pole with both hands.
Description below miniature with citation for I Samuel 17 (Vulg., I Kings 17).
2) Samson: slaying Lion -- Samson, wearing knotted sash around his head is astride lion, rending its jaws with both hands.
Description below miniature with citation for Judges 14.