Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours
Belgium, Liège, ca. 1280s
MS M.183 fol. 54v

See more information »

Initial D:
Psalm 039 (Vulg., 038) -- Saul: commanding Death of David, and David and Jonathan: Warning -- Michal, veiled, sits with hands clasped at feet of Saul, crowned, seated with legs crossed on bench, holding scepter in left hand and with right hand directing Jonathan, wearing chain mail, holding sword in right hand and placing left hand on shoulder of David, crowned, carrying draped staff, departing to right.
Scene within initial D decorated with marginal foliate extensions, enclosing scene (described below).
In lower margin (bas-de-page):
David: slinging at Goliath -- Youthful David with left hand holds fold of garment containing stones and with right hand raises sling toward Goliath, wearing chain mail, stone at forehead, standing with sword in right hand and shield decorated with eagle displayed sable in left hand; to right stand three brethren of David, one holding pedum, and two raising hands. Figures within scrolling tendrils.