Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
France, Paris, between 1228-1247
MS M.283 fol. 11r

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Innocents: Massacre -- Herod the Great, crowned, seated on bench, legs crossed, raises right hand and holds sword in left hand. He glances toward two soldiers, wearing mail and tunics. First soldier stabs child, hands raised, in groin with sword held in left hand. Second soldier places right hand on head of child and raises sword, held in left hand, above child's head. Dismembered limbs and heads of children appear beside him.
Scene occurs in mandorla set in diapered background enclosed in decorated frame.