Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Rouen, 1525
MS M.61 fol. 70r

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David and Bathsheba: Bathsheba bathing -- David, with right hand pointing downward, and three courtiers watch, from balcony above, Bathesheba, wearing kerchief, nude, with her left hand cupping her right breast, seated at edge of tub. She is attended by two maidservants wearing kerchiefs, one assisting her, and the other seated. Pair of shoes appears beside chest in balustraded courtyard. To right, outside of the balustrade, Uriah raises letter to breast with right hand.
Scene in elaborate architectural setting with landscape in distance.
Frame:
Miniature within elaborate architectural frame decorated with floral ornament and inhabited by putti. On left side of frame is medallion with motto inscribed ROSE APRES LIVER. Two putti hold scroll inscribed with incipit to Seven Penitential Psalms.