3-039-962 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Scenes from the Life of David; Morgan Picture Bible, about 1250. Additional Info:This folio tells part of the biblical story of David and his rebellious son Absalom. In the upper left, King David, crowned and enthroned, is dismayed to hear the news that Absalom has conspired against him and invaded his lands. Unwilling to fight, David withdraws from his palace but leaves behind ten concubines to represent his household. On the right, Absalom consorts with his father's concubines, each arm draped around a different woman. His act is symbolic, indicating that his conquest over his father's kingdom is complete. The bottom part of the image shows David, barefoot and with his head covered in sorrow, followed by his distraught supporters.