Medieval Psalter Leaves - 2 Continuous Leaves

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Original continuous bifolium 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.(Each leaf: 130x90 mm) 

One large three-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on burgundy and blue ground with and interior of delicate white tracery and orange flowersextending into the margin. Each leaf has a 1/4 inch bar border recto & verso with burnished gold initials on burgundy & blue with white tracery. Numerous line-extenders in burnished gold, red & blue.

France: Paris, c. 1200-25.

The one-line illuminated ''I'' begins Psalm 30 (King James 31) 14 - 25: ''In eo dum …'' (While they assembled together against me, they consulted to take away my life. But I have put my trust in thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my God. My lots are in thy hands. Deliver me out of the hands of my enemies…).

The three-line illuminated ''B'' begins Psalm 31 (KJ 32) 1-9:''“Beati…'' (Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered…).

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! 

Shipped in archival 111x14'' mat.

  • Inventory# IM-6722
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