Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Picture Bible
France, Paris, ca. 1244-1254
MS M.638 fol. 38v

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Zone 1:
1) David: brought Head of Ishbosheth -- Baanah and Rechab kneel; one offers crowned head of Ishbosheth to David, crowned, seated on animal faldstool with footstool. He raises right hand and holds scepter in left hand. Four men, including two gesturing, attend him. Illustration of II Samuel 4:8.
2) Baanah and Rechab: Death -- Man points to Baanah and Rechab, in loin cloths, with severed hands and feet on grounds, hanging from gallows on furcae. Three servants, wearing caps, tighten the ropes; ladder rests against gallows. Illustration of II Samuel 4:12.
Zone 2:
1) David: proclaimed King -- Three elders of Israel stand behind another with head draped, holding crown in right hand and with left hand pouring oil from vessel of affusion on head of David, wearing vair-lined mantle, standing, and holding crown in hands. Illustration of II Samuel 5:3.
2) David: Battle against Zion -- Two soldiers in mail, one wearing visor and armed with shield and sword, accompany David, crowned, in mail, mounted on caparisoned horse. He raises left hand and extends right hand toward man at city gate of Zion, proffering key. Two of three soldiers in mail, scale walls, and one mounts ladder. Illustration of II Samuel 5:7-8.
Scenes with architectural frames.