Hand A
Artists
Hand A was responsible for the six full-page miniatures in the prefatory cycle (quire 1). He designed clear, legible compositions and framed them within structures inspired by Gothic architecture. Hand A painted monumental figures with solid anatomy, the robust musculature of their lower torsos revealed by the modelling of drapery and stockings. Their gestures and faces convey controlled emotions. Superimposed elements of the compositions suggest multiple planes within the image and create a sense of depth.
David’s son Absalom caught in a tree and pierced by Joab
Absalom, who rebelled against his father David and was defeated in battle, got caught in the branches of a tree as he rode beneath it. Here, David’s commander Joab kills the trapped Absalom against David’s orders. Illustrating an episode in the Old Testament Book of Kings (II xviii.9-14), this scene was painted by Hand A.