Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 24r

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Zone 1:
1) Saul: tarrying in Gibeah -- Saul, crowned, in mail, sits on animal faldstool with footstool under pomegranate tree. He extends right hand extended toward seven soldiers in mail, armed with swords, spears and heraldic shield (or an eagle displayed sable); one kneels. Illustration of I Samuel 14:2.
2) Jonathan: departing secretly, and Jonathan: smiting Philistines -- Armor bearer and Jonathan, wearing visor, both in mail, climb rock, grasping plants. Above, armor bearer and Jonathan, wearing visor, attack six Philistines, all in mail, some armed with swords and spears. Illustration of I Samuel 14:6,7,12,13.
Zone 2:
Jonathan: tasting Honey, and Saul: Defeat of Philistines -- Saul crowned, in mail, mounted on caparisoned horse, with sword in right hand and with left hand pointing to Ahiah, head draped, carrying Ark of Covenant on handbarrow. In background, five soldiers in mail, armed with lances, two wearing visors, are mounted; Jonathan in mail, mounted, with visor in left hand and with right hand spearing one of six honeycombs from ground. Israelites pursue Philistines, all mounted, in mail, some armed with swords, axe, and shield; some are fallen. Trees in background. Illustration of I Samuel 14:25-27,31.
Scenes with architectural frames.