Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, ca. 1430
MS M.64 fol. 75r

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David: in Prayer -- David, crowned, with hands joined, kneels. Harp is on floor next to him. Scene in canopied architectural frame flanked by colums each with three niches containing statues, including two prophets. In spandrels, atlantes, and on top of canopy, pinnacles surmounted with crosses.
Right margin, vignette:
David: slinging at Goliath -- Goliath, wearing hat (?), holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand, stands opposite David, left arm raised, right arm extended back.
Right margin, within circle of foliage (from bottom to top):
1) David and Bathsheba: Bathsheba bathing -- Bathsheba, wearing headdress, stands in doorway by stream, one bare leg in water. David, crowned, watches from window.
2) Uriah the Hittite: Death (?) -- Group of soldiers fight, some lie on ground, bleeding.
Margins decorated with border of foliate and floreate ornament, inhabited by man holding shield with human face and by two confronted peacocks.