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Leaf from a Miniscule Psalter

Leaf from a Miniscule Psalter

Culture: Dutch

Artist: Otto F. Ege (American, 1888 - 1951)

Date: c. 1275
Medium: ink on paper/vellum
Dimensions:
Sheet: 5 1/4 x 3 1/2 in. (13.3 x 8.9 cm)
Framed: 19 3/4 x 13 3/4 x 1 in. (50.2 x 34.9 x 2.5 cm)
Credit Line:Gift, Mrs. Otto F. Ege from the Otto F. Ege Collection
Object number: 1956.32.30.8

A psalter is a book containing the biblical Book of Psalms. Before the widespread popularity of the book of hours in the fourteenth century, psalters were the most popular books among the aristocracy and were commonly used in the instruction of Latin. As a result, many were lavishly illuminated.

This miniscule psalter leaf was written in Latin using angular Gothic script. The application of the gold leaf is somewhat clumsy, suggesting that the illuminator was perhaps still in training. A large gilt “E” frames the composition, with the top arm terminating in the head of a dog to symbolize loyalty, and the bottom leg terminating in an eagle, symbolizing bravery or strength.

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