Create an Amazon Business Account


Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now


An illustration from

The Winchester Psalter
or Psalter of Henry of Blois, Mid 12th century

David and Goliath

Folio 6r.

King Saul arms David / David and Goliath

A larger image of David and Goliath, The Winchester Psalter, mid 12th century. British Library Cotton MS Nero C IV..

David decapitates Goliath /
David presents Goliath's head to King Saul

Date: Mid 12th century-2nd half of the 13th century
Title: ‘Winchester Psalter’ or ‘Psalter of Henry of Blois’
Origin: Doubtless made at Winchester, England
Ownership history: (?)Henry de Blois, bishop of Winchester (b. c. 1096, d. 1171), for whom this manuscript may have been made: the manuscript is attributed on liturgical grounds to the Old Minster, Winchester.
The pen-flourished decoration (ff. 46–142) was added in the 13th century; additions were also made to the calendar in the 13th century, and marginal rubrics added to the miniatures (replacing the original lettering over gold leaf, which must have already been rubbing off).
British Library Cotton MS Nero C IV

Note Goliath's shield in the lower register has an Escarbucle [with the rays ending in fleur-de-lis(?)].