Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Bourges, ca. 1473
MS M.677 fol. 148r

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Psalm 127 (Vulg., 126):
David: forbidden to build Temple -- David, crowned, wearing ermine collar, extending left hand, stands next to Nathan, wearing cap, raising right hand toward half-figure of Christ-Logos, rayed cross as nimbus, holding globe in left hand, appearing amid clouds. Figures stand outside of entrance to church, decorated with niches, in midst of construction. At right, man, wearing cap, raises mallet with right hand and holds chisel with left hand, against stone.
In background, builders cut stone with pickaxes within and around shed with gabled arches. On top of exterior wall, figures raise stone block with pulley. Beyond shed are towers of buildings.