Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Italy, Florence, ca. 1495
M.305 fol. 123r

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Initial:
David: as Musician -- Within initial D, David, nimbed and crowned, playing psaltery.
Vignette:
1) Half-figure of prophet, wearing hat, raising right hand and holding book with left hand.
2) David: in Prayer -- David, nimbed, arms extended, upper body nude, standing in hole (?). Opening in rock in background from which water emerges. Scene flanked by two hybrids with human heads, and insect-like bodies. Two birds and mask below frame.
Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament inhabited by putti; psaltery; camaïeu mask.