Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 31r

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Zone 1:
1) David: Messengers from Saul (Messengers deceived by Michal) -- Two of three soldiers in mail are armed with halberd and sword bearing sword inscribed COVRTE. One points to covered bed. Michal, with right hand raised, extends her left hand towards goat's hair pillow on the bed beneath draped curtain. Illustration of I Samuel 19:16.
David: let down from Window -- To right, David escapes from window. Illustration of I Samuel 19:12.
2) David: meeting Samuel at Ramah -- David, with hands raised, approaches Samuel, head draped, with right hand raised, attended by three men, all under canopy. Illustration of I Samuel 19:18.
Zone 2:
1) David: Saul among Prophets (Saul sending messengers) -- Saul, crowned, sits with legs crossed on throne with footstool and holds fleur-de-lis scepter in left hand. He raises right hand toward kneeling mesenger, wearing cap and wallet at waist, holding pitchfork in left hand, and raising right hand. Five soldiers in mail, armed with spears and halberd, depart to right.
2) David: Saul among Prophets (Messengers prophesying) -- To right, five soldiers in mail, with arms of spears, axe, and sword at feet, raise hands gesticulating and prophesying before David, Samuel with head draped, and three prophets. Dove of Holy Ghost descends from clouds. Illustration of I Samuel 19:20-21.
Scenes with architectural frames.