Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Farnese Hours
Italy, Rome, 1546
M.69, fol. 64r

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Miniature:
David: in Prayer -- David, right arm extended, left hand on breast, body partially draped, kneels looking up, flanked by harp and by mantle, crown and scepter. Throne, decorated with head of ram is at right. Scene is in room with door open to exterior.
Miniature within frame.
Upper margin:
Putto, winged, flanked by two helmets decorated with bird faces and beaks, grasped or touched by two other putti, each looking toward putto seated on head (mask), eyes shut, mouth open, wearing knotted scarf. Four other putti climb on the frame.
Left and right margins:
Back-turned nude female figure standing below arch, on pedestal decorated with face.
Lower margin:
David: anointed -- David, wearing short tunic, staff (?) in crook of right arm, kneels before Samuel, pouring oil from horn of unction onto head of David. Scene in cameo flanked by two women wearing helmets, seated next to shields and fasces, and by scrollwork decorated with heads of rams and masks.