Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
Netherlands, ca. 1494
MS M.1078 fol. 129r

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David, wearing ermine-trimmed garments, sits on throne holding harp. Figure in initial H composed of male figure and vinescroll.
Three scenes in margin in continuous narrative:
1) David: slinging at Goliath -- Goliath, wearing helmet and armor, with left hand on his breast, swoons backward with rock to his forehead. Before him stands David, as youth, wearing hat, holding slingshot in left hand.
2) David: beheading Goliath -- David, as youth, wearing hat, raises sword in both hands above Goliath, laying on ground, bleeding from wounds in forehead and neck.
3) David: Glorification -- David, as youth, wearing hat, carries head of Goliath on raised sword toward four ladies, including one playing lute, all wearing headdresses and standing in city gate.