Illuminated Psalter

Illuminated Psalter

Psalter

Psalters are an important part of Christian liturgical services and are some of the most popular texts of the Middle ages. Psalters contain the Psalms that would have been used in church services, but also within Orthodox communities contained the Magnificant of the Virgin, a hymn that is sung during prayers. Psalters also served as weapons against demons and evil beings. They also were used as a pedagogical tool for reading comprehension in the Byzantine world, as they were commonly-found texts in homes and monasteries alike.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Written and Illuminated ca. 1100 CE

Natalie Green

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/474236

Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum
20.7 x 14.9 x 5.1 cm, Single MS leaf:19.5 x 14.7 cm

Greek

Manuscript

2001.730