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.   

The artist responsible for this miniature, Hand F, usually outlined the limbs of his figures in grey. This miniature is an exception. Here, the artist adhered to the red outlines employed by most other artists throughout the volume. He also painted a hem in shell gold, perhaps to mirror the hems executed by Hand A on the facing page.