Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Speculum humanae salvationis
Germany, probably Nuremberg, between 1350 and 1400
MS M.140 fol. 41r

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Left column:
Abimelech: Death -- At left, soldier, raising sword with right hand, wearing shield on left side stands before Abimelech, wearing armor, sword and shield hanging at his side, recumbent, bleeding. Blank scroll is next to his head. Above, flanked by two figures, woman in opening of tower holds piece of millstone out the window.
Caption, MUL(IE)R LAUDABILIS I(N) THEBES DEFENDIT CIUES SUOS, is inscribed above miniature.
Right column:
David: let down from Window -- David, name inscribed DAVID, descends from window, seated in rope sling. Michol, name inscribed MICHOL, stands in doorway, gesturing and looking toward group of soldiers, wearing helmets, holding shields.
Caption, MICHOL DEFENDIT DAUID AB I(N)SIDIIS APPARITO(RUM), is inscribed above miniature.