Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 14r

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Zone 1:
1) Abimelech: Death -- Armorbearer, wearing cap, with sword in right hand severs head of Abimelech, wearing cap, in mail. One of two soldiers, in mail, supports ladder; the other climbs the ladder against tower and is struck with battle-axe by soldier in mail. Woman in tower drops millstone on Abimelech. Illustration of Judges 9:52-54.
2) Samson: Annunciation of Birth -- Nimbed angel holds scroll in left hand and raises right hand, addressing Manoah and veiled wife; both kneel with hands raised; tree. Illustration of Judges 13:11-18.
Zone 2:
1) Samson: Manoah offering Sacrifice -- Ram on lighted altar is flanked by Manoah, with his head draped, emptying vessel, and veiled wife holding sticks; above, angel, with only feet visible, disappears in clouds. Illustration of Judges 13:19-21.
2) Samson: Journey with Parents -- In portal of building representing Timnath, veiled wife and Manoah, with left hand on head of Samson, stand with hands raised. They are approached by lion, beside tree. Illustration of Judges 14:5.
Samson: slaying Lion -- To right, Samson, astride lion, forces its jaws open; tree. Illustration of Judges 14:6.
Scenes with architectural frames.