Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, possibly Lille, ca. 1445
M.304 fol. 19r

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Absalom: Death -- Within initial D, body of Absalom, pierced by spear, is held above sarcophagus by two men wearing hats, one at his shoulders, the other holding his legs. Hank of hair (?) hangs from dead tree in background.
Margins decorated with border of foliate ornament inhabited by man piercing with spear, head of animal as termination of leaf; man playing bagpipe; man climbing foliage above fantastic animal.