Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Psalter-Hours of Guiluys de Boisleux
France, Arras, after 1246
MS M.730 fol. 39v

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Psalm 027 (Vulg., 026).
1) Saul: Ahimelech slain -- Saul, crowned, seated with legs crossed on cushioned bench, holding sword in left hand, points with right hand toward one of three soldiers, including Doeg, in chain mail, with sword in raised right hand and with left hand grasping head of Ahimelech kneeling, the second raising sword in right hand and with left hand grasping arm of priest, and the third with sword beheading priest; seven (?) severed heads of priests. Outside right of initial D, Abiathar flees to right (David: sought by Abiathar).
Illustration of I Samuel 22:18, 20.
2) David: Battle against Philistines -- Four Israelites and David, holding bannered lance, all wearing helmets and chain mail, armed with lances, mounted on horses, pursue six Philistines in chain mail, one holding bannered lance, some looking back, two with hands extended, all armed with lances, mounted, approaching mount with portal of cave.
Illustration of I Samuel 23:05.
Scenes in and outside initial D decorated with ornament of foliage on gold backgrounds.
Line ending: animal mask.
Line ending: hybrid feline animal with two bodies.
Line endings decorated with foliate and geometric ornament.