Leaf from a Psalter: Initial C: David Seated with a Book (1 of 2 Excised Leaves)

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Leaf from a Psalter: Initial C: David Seated with a Book (1 of 2 Excised Leaves)

c. 1270–1280

This object has related works. See

England, Oxford(?), 13th century

Medium

ink, tempera and gold on vellum

Measurements

Each leaf: 17.9 x 13.5 cm (7 1/16 x 5 5/16 in.)

Credit Line

The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection 1999.124

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Location

Not on view

Description

Initial E: The decorated initial introduces the Canticle of Ezechias (Isaiah 38:10–20): Ego dixi in dimidio. . . . (I said: In the midst of my days. . . . ). Stylistically, this leaf relates to English work of the last quarter of the 1200s, possibly from the vicinity of Oxford. Hard lines, sharp expressions, and a schematic drawing of the hair give the prophet a coarse-looking face. He poses in a rigid and angular way. Hard drapery patterns emphasize the triangular folds, and the initial's ascender terminates as a standing bird.