Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Psalter. 19 lines, written in Latin on animal parchment in small gothic bookhand with serrated line extenders in red, blue and burnished gold. (130 x 90mm – 5 1/8 x 3 5/8’’)
One three-line illuminated initial in heavily burnished gold on burgundy and blue ground with and interior of delicate white tracery and orange flowers – extending into the margins. Both sides have ¼” bar borders with burnished gold initials on burgundy & blue with white tracery.
France: Paris, c. 1200-25.
The first gold “D” begins Psalm 2:7-13: “Dominus dixit…” (And the Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession…).
The three-line “D” begins Psalm 3:1-8: “Domine quid…” (Why, O Lord, are they multiplied that afflict me? Many are they who rise up against me. Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But thou, O Lord, art my protector, my glory, and the lifter of my head…).
The devout were expected to engage in a series of daily devotions, structured around the reading of the Psalms. In the Middle Ages all 150 psalms were to be recited each day, but as this proved impractical, the sequence was restructured to encompass a full week!
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
