Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 21r

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Zone 1:
Israelite: smitten by Philistines, and Ark of Covenant: taken by Philistines -- Mounted Israelites and Philistines in coat mail, two wearing visors, all in combat, armed with swords and axe. Seven slain Israelites, including Hophni and Phinehas, with their heads draped, two pierced by arrows, are all trampled by horses. To right, mounted Philistines in mail, armed with lances, shield decorated with heraldry (or, an orle sable), and sword, attend nine soldiers bearing cross-surmounted Ark of Covenant on handbarrow. Illustration of I Samuel 4:10,11.
Zone 2:
1) Eli: Death -- Messenger, wearing cap, holds pitchfork, standing before Eli falling backward, dead, in chair; tree in background. Four Israelites stand in portal; one pulls hair, and another clasps hands.
Illustration of I Samuel 4:18.
2) Dagon: Fall -- Philistine soldiers in mail, armed with spears and sword, stand; one places handbarrow with cross-surmounted Ark of Covenant on altar beneath hanging lamp under altar-canopy. On the altar, two candles in candlesticks flank Dagon, on column, breaking, with head and arms fallen to floor. Illustration of I Samuel 5:2-4.
Scenes with architectural frames.