Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Savoy or Besançon, ca. 1470
MS M.196 fol. 78r

See more information »

Miniature:
David: communicating with God -- David, orant, wearing fur-trimmed garment kneels, looking up toward half figure of Christ-Logos, right hand raised in blessing, left hand holding globe. Hat, with crown, and harp are on ground flanking David.
Scene in landscape with trees, rocky outcrops and hills in distance, all beneath blue sky.
Margins:
1) David: as Musician -- Below arch, David, wearing hat with crown, is seated on throne playing harp.
2) David: beheading Goliath -- David, raising saber with right hand, sits on chest of reclining Goliath, wearing armor, with wound on forehead.
Margins decorated with border of floreate and foliate ornament, including flowers in vase and inhabited by bird. Unpainted heraldic shield hanging by cord from flower stem.