Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
Belgium, Liège, ca. 1290-1305
MS M.155 fol. 50r

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Psalm 052 (Vulg., 051):
1) Innocents: Massacre -- Herod the Great, crowned, seated on platform), holds lily in left hand and raises right hand toward three soldiers, wearing tunics over chain mail and holding swords, each holding one infant, bleeding from wounds, while two women, veiled, attempt to stop them.
Scene against gold background within decorated initial Q.
2) Female saint, decorated nimbus, holding palm in left hand, extends right hand to hold left hand of child saint, decorated nimbus.
3) Female figure, veiled, possibly donor, raises both hands in prayer.
Figures in right margin against gold background within architectural setting of tower supported by hybrid animal with crowned human head, body of wingless dragon, and foliate tail.
In upper margin, three dogs chase stag (deer).