War has broken out!
In the areas between the medallions showing scenes from the life of King David, a battle to the death is taking place. It is the mercilessly warring virtues and vices of the Psychomachia, an allegorical poem by Prudentius written around 400. The personifications include Christian faith fighting against the pagan cult of the gods, Patience fighting against Anger, and Humility fighting against Arrogance. But why are these cruel scenes found on the front cover of a psalter?
The virtues go off to battle
The connection to the scenes of David stems from the Book of Psalms, as King David was long considered the author of the biblical psalms. The ivory panel shows episodes from David’s life in six circular medallions, from his youth as a shepherd to his glorious reign as king. The battles of the personified virtues and vices take place in the areas in between. David is considered the ideal type of a virtuous king who has overcome the vices inherent in every human being. The battle of the virtues and vices refers to this, the virtues are those of the exemplary David. It is precisely through his actions that it becomes clear that David not only possesses the Christian virtues that are seen fighting, but actually embodies them. Through the means of personification, the inner battle is visible to all. Together with David’s outstanding deeds and achievements shown in the medallions, the battle of the soul illustrates Christian norms, and the images on the cover become an ethical and moral warning to believers.
Fides and Idolatria
On the left above the circular medallion, which shows Samuel anointing David king, the two personifications Fides (faith in God) and Idolatria (idolatry) fight each other. Fides is of course the superior: she pulls her opponent by the hair and steps on her throat. David is a ruler who has been blessed with the grace of God and who, with the help of his faith, will win like Fides over Idolatria.
Egerton MS 1139/1
Spes, Humilitas and Superbia
David’s fight against Goliath is probably the best-known episode from the life of the future king. It is linked here with the fight between Humilitas (modesty, who carries a sling like David) and Spes (hope) against Superbia (pride). With modesty and hope, the young David also won over the arrogant giant. Goliath is then beheaded by David and thus shares Superbia’s fate.
Egerton MS 1139/1
