Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter
England, Oxford, between 1212 and 1220
MS M.43 fol. 9v

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1) Tower of Babel: Building -- On scaffolding of tower with closed portals, two of four workmen extend hands; the third holds adze or axe; and the fourth, seated, lays brick and holds trowel. Below, one of four workmen holds basket of objects. The second, bearing sack on shoulders, mounts ladder. Flanking tub, the third holds implement, and the fourth digs with spade.
Scene caption in Anglo-Norman French, CI FOUNT IL LA TOUR DE BABEL KANT LES LANGES FURENT DEUISEES.
2) Abraham: Rescue of Lot -- Mounted soldier, in mail, wearing helmet, armed with sword and shield, accompanies Abraham, wearing conical helmet, mounted, armed with decorated shield. With sword in right hand, he strikes head of one of four crowned kings in mail. One, struck, is armed with decorated shield and sheathed sword. Two of three mounted depart to right. The fourth, decapitated, with one leg severed, hands raised, is on ground.
Illustration of Genesis 14:15.
Scene caption in Anglo-Norman French, CI TUE ABRAHAM E SA CUMPAIGNIE LES TREIS REIES RESCOUT LOTH SON NEUEU.
Scenes within decorated frames.