Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Bible historiale
France, Paris, ca. 1325
MS M.323 II, fol. 1v

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1) David: as Musician -- At upper left, David, crowned, playing harp, is seated cross-legged on bench. Diapered background with fleur-de-lis.
2) David: slinging at Goliath -- At lower left, David, hooded, extending right arm back with sling, and holding pedum in left hand, stands facing Goliath, center, wearing helmet, chain mail and tunic. He is holding spear in right hand and shield bearing Rochechouart arms in left hand (fasc³b, ond³b d'argent et de gueules). Dog and sheep (?) are at his feet. At right, below clouds, amid trees, sheep and dogs are three shepherds, one wearing hat, another wearing hood, all with hands joined and extended, and all with pedum, either between outstretched arms or over shoulder. Diapered and burnished gold backgrounds.
Frame of pink and blue decorated with gold and geometric ornament. Geometric and foliate ornament on extenders of initial B, and between columns and in lower margin, also inhabited by fantastic animals, rabbit, bird and dog.
Illustration of Psalm 1 (Vulg., 1).