The Breslau Psalter

Underdrawing

Artists' Techniques

Underdrawing, probably drawn with a dry medium, can be detected in the infrared images of many folios, particularly to define drapery folds. It is especially apparent in the compositions painted by Hand A – most strikingly in Christ’s flowing robe on fol. 87v.

The position of the miniature’s outer frames was also sketched on the page prior to painting, as is apparent especially on fols. 49v and 51r.   

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1
Detail of David’s face under magnification (20x).
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2
Detail of David’s face under magnification (20x).

The images are faithful illustrations of the adjacent text. They show David imploring God to protect him from evil men (above, Psalm 42) and thanking God for supporting his ancestors (below, Psalm 43). Both images were painted by the Gaibana Master’s Associate.