Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
England, Yorkshire?, ca. 1400
MS M.766 fol. 47r

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Left column:
Absalom: Death -- Absalom, his hair entangled in tree, hangs, arms extended, his body pierced by three spears (?). He is flanked two men, one wearing knife at waist, both stabbing Absalom with swords.
Caption, ABSALON CONFOSSUS EST TRIBUS LANCEIS INSUPER INUADITUR GLADIIS, is inscribed above scene.
Text reference, SECUNDO REGU(M) DUODERIGINTO, is in upper margin.
Right column:
Nebuchadnezzar: hewn by Evilmerodach -- Evilmerodach, crowned, raising battle axe, with both hands, stands over body cut into many parts. He is flanked by flying birds carrying in their beaks parts of the body, including head, feet and hands.
Caption, REX EBILMORADACH (?) SECUIT CORPUS PATRIS IN TRECENTAS PARTES, is inscribed above scene.