Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 23r

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Zone 1:
Saul: with Herd of Oxen -- Saul, left hand draped, addresses messenger with hands raised, standing before four men in portal of building; two oxen.
To right, Saul with cleaver in right hand hews (chops) ox on table and gives portion to one of three messengers, wearing caps, armed with spears and pitchfork; one bears portion on shoulder. Illustration of I Samuel 11:5-7.
Zone 2:
Saul: assembling Israelites -- Two men stand before doors of building, one with keylock and knocker on red portal; one holds rod over shoulder.
To right, Saul, crowned, scepter in left hand, seated with legs crossed on throne, holds scepter in left hand. He extends right hand toward Israelites, in mail, three wearing visors, all armed with spears, swords, lances and shield, decorated with heraldry (or a lion rampant sable). Some are mounted, one in wagon holds bannered spear, and one kneels. Illustration of I Samuel 11:8.
Scenes with architectural frames.