Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours of Guiluys de Boisleux
France, Arras, after 1246
MS M.730 fol. 127v

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1) David: passing over Jordan -- Two groups of soldiers, in chain mail, stand at entrance of tents and two soldiers, including one armed with shield (buckler) decorated with dragon, all on bank of Jordan river. Two groups of spears, one with banner, behind the tents.
Illustration of II Samuel 17:22, and 17:24.
2) David: dividing Troops -- David, crowned, with rod in left hand, and right hand raised, stands surrounded by three groups of mounted horsemen in chain mail, armed with lances, three bannered, and shields (bucklers), one decorated with eagle displayed; in background, building.
Illustration of II Samuel 18:1-2.
3) David: Battle against Absalom -- Two groups of mounted soldiers, in chain mail, battle with swords, shields, and lances, one transfixed in body of one of some fallen soldiers.
Illustration of II Samuel 18:6-7.
4) Absalom: Death -- Joab, in chain mail, mounted on bridled horse, thrusts lance through body of Absalom hanging by hair caught in branches of tree and transfixed with two lances; saddled horse runs away (only hindquarters visible).
Illustration of II Samuel 18:14.
Scenes with gold punched backgrounds, within decorated frames.