Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Farnese Hours
Italy, Rome, 1546
M.69, fol. 63v

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Miniature:
Uriah the Hittite: Death -- In foreground, bridled horse, pierced by sword (?), bleeding, reclines on ground, next to nude Uriah, lying partially on his left side, his left shoulder on shield, helmet behind him. In background is battle scene with soldiers astride rearing bridled horses, armed with swords, lances, some bannered, round shields, one decorated with human face.
Miniature within frame.
Upper margin:
Putto, winged, flanked by two helmets grasped or touched by two other putti, each looking toward putto seated on head (mask), eyes shut, mouth open, wearing knotted scarf. Four other putti climb on the frame.
Left margin:
David: Spoiling of Goliath -- Below arch, David, wearing headgear, his head turned toward the miniature, holding head of Goliath with right hand and grasping cloak with left hand, stands on pedestal decorated with face (mask).
Right margin:
David, wearing headgear, his body partially draped, right hand grasping cloak, and left hand holding sling, standing below arch on pedestal decorated with face.
Lower margin:
David: beheading Goliath -- David, back-turned, partially draped, raising sword with both hands, stands next to Goliath, crouching. Tent is in background. Scene in cameo flanked by two women wearing helmets, seated next to shields and fasces, and by scrollwork decorated with heads of rams and masks.