Item Info

Script: Gothic bookhand
Language: Latin
Folio Number: f. 1r
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: Opening with initial B, beginning Psalm 1
Notes: The manuscript has been dated to ca. 1270.
Notes: This initial B begins Psalm 1, "Beatus vir..." (Blessed is the man). In the lower register of the initial, King David is playing a harp, while the dove of the Holy Spirit inspires him from above. The medieval Christians believed that David, the Old Testament king and ancestor of Christ, composed the Psalms. The term "psalm" derives from the Greek word "psalmos," which means "song sung accompanied by a harp." This etymology explains the iconography of David playing the harp. This image therefore functions as a type of author portrait for the Psalms.
Sirsi Catalog Key: 1583247
Country: Country:France ?
Cardinal Point:northern

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1275
Image Dimensions Width: 119 mm
ShelfMark: Lewis E 187