Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 35v

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Zone 1:
1) Saul: Body despoiled (Body at Bethshan) -- Saul headless, partly nude, hangs from machine of war controlled by three of six Philistines, five in mail, armed with spears and swords. One of two looking up is at portal of building; both flank the sixth inside wall. Illustration of I Samuel 31:10.
2) Saul: Burial -- Six men of Jabeshgilead in mail, armed with spears, halberd, and sword, including one on walls, lower headless body of Saul, partly nude, from machine of war. Illustration of I Samuel 31:12-13.
Zone 2:
1) Saul: Burial -- Nude bodies of Jonathan, Abinadab and Melchishua, Sons of Saul, burn on pile of crossed sticks. Two five men of Jabeshgilead carry headless body of Saul, half nude, toward fire.
2) David: told of Saul's Death -- Four Israelites, including one mourning with clasped hands, attend Amalekite kneeling, with spear in right hand. He extends Saul's crown in left hand toward David, with hands clasped, seated on animal faldstool with footstool, attended by three men, one with hands raised. Illustration of II Samuel 1:2-10.
Scenes with architectural frames.