Artwork Page for Single Leaf Excised from a Choir Psalter: Initial E[xultate Deo] with King David Playing the Lute (Psalm 80)

Details / Information for Single Leaf Excised from a Choir Psalter: Initial E[xultate Deo] with King David Playing the Lute (Psalm 80)

Single Leaf Excised from a Choir Psalter: Initial E[xultate Deo] with King David Playing the Lute (Psalm 80)

c. 1408

Italy, Bologna

Medium
ink, tempera, and gold on vellum
Measurements
Sheet: 56.5 x 41.9 cm (22 1/4 x 16 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1953.641
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This leaf once formed part of a deluxe choir psalter produced for the Franciscan convent of Bologna (founded 1229). The initial E with a portrait of King David illustrates the introduction to Psalm 80: Exultate Deo (Rejoice to God). King David, as the author of the Psalms, is prominently illustrated in psalter initials. An abundant spray of colorful acanthus leaves with clambering Franciscan friars provides decoration for the lower left margins and confirmation that it was made for Franciscan use.
A vellum manuscript leaf features black, blue, and red Latin calligraphy and square musical notes on red lines. An illuminated initial "E" contains King David, a man with light skin playing a lute in a blue robe and orange mantle. Intricate floral borders with gold accents and small figures frame our left and bottom margins. Latin text including the phrases "Ne corpus" and "Exultate deo" spans the page against the beige background.

Single Leaf Excised from a Choir Psalter: Initial E[xultate Deo] with King David Playing the Lute (Psalm 80)

c. 1408

Italy, Bologna

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