Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 15v

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Zone 1:
1) Samson: in Prison -- Samson, twice represented as shorn, is chained between two jailers before prison door, and working millstone within the prison. Illustration of Judges 16:21.
2) Samson: rending Columns of Temple -- To right, Samson grasps broken pillar; temple falls upon four Philistines at draped table on which are loaf, knife and bowl (banquet). Illustration of Judges 16:29-30.
Zone 2:
1) Danites: entering Laish -- Two Danites and woman holding child follow three soldiers, in mail, armed with spears, axe, and notched falchion; one holds bowl; two burn city of Laish with torches. In foreground, two soldiers in mail kneel with swords, decapitating two men of Laish. Illustration of Judges 18:27.
2) Levite: meeting Man of Gibeah -- Female servant, wearing snood, veiled concubine, and Levite, wearing hat, each with wallet and staff, are conducted to portal of house by hooded Man of Gibeah; two asses. Illustration of Judges 19:16-20.
Scenes with architectural frames.