The Breslau Psalter

Psalter with miniatures and historiated initials

Texts and Images

Psalms 1, 26, 38, 51, 52, 68, 80, 97, 101 and 109 introduced the ten sections into which medieval Psalters were often divided. Each of these ten Psalms is preceded by full-page miniatures and opens with a large historiated initial. The remaining 140 Psalms received small miniatures in the borders, usually illustrating their opening verse or main theme.

Historiated initial D with David in prayer (Psalm 101)

David kneels in the centre, raising his hands in prayer and enacting the opening verse of Psalm 101 which is written in gold letters beside the initial, Domine exaudi oracionem meam (‘Hear, O Lord, my prayer’).

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