Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
Belgium, Bruges, ca. 1500
MS M.52 fol. 291r

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David: Battle against Amalekites -- Soldiers, including one mounted, blowing trumpet and one carrying banner decorated with harp, follow two soldiers on foot, holding shields in left hands and raising spears, held in right hands. One soldier transfixes Amalekite with spear. David, crowned, holding shield decorated with harp, astride horse with breastplate inscribed DAVID and caparison decorated with harp, raises sword above fallen Amalekite, trampled under horse's hooves. Third Amalekite, seated upright on ground, wounded, raises left hand to head.
In background, to right, group of women, hands joined, standing beside rocky outcropping within landscape.
Miniature and text surrounded by border decorated with budding and full flowers, including strawberry, pea, and pinks, and inhabited by butterfly.
In lower border, couple seated on ground beside fountain.
Decorated initial D begins Psalm 53 (Vulg., 52).