Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
England, Yorkshire?, ca. 1400
MS M.766 fol. 52r

See more information »

Left column:
Sisera: killed by Jael -- Jael, veiled, raises hammer with right hand and with left hand, holds spike or nail to helmet of Sisera, wearing armor, holding shield, reclining on ground (?).
Caption, JAHEL P(ER)FORAUIT SISAREM P(ER) TIMPORA HOSTE(M) FI[LIORUM], is inscribed above scene.
Text reference, IUDICUS QUARTO, is in upper margin.
Right column:
Cyrus the Great: killed by Tomyris -- Head of Cyrus is held over vat (?) by right hand of Tomyris, crowned, holding scimitar with left hand. Headless body of Cyrus, wearing armor reclines at right. Next to Tomyris, is scroll inscribed SATIA TE SANGUINE QUE(M) SITISTI (Inscription has SARIA rather than SATIA).
Caption, REGINA THAMARY DECOLLAUIT CYRU(M) REGEM, is inscribed above scene.