Royal Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle
InquiryThe Royal Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle
Psalters are among the most richly decorated manuscripts in art history. The Royal Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle (Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, Ms. 1186), dated to the year 1230 and presumably created for Blanche of Castile, the mother of King Louis the Saint, is no exception in this regard. Lavish gold leaf, beautiful ornaments, inventive drolleries, masterful miniatures: Psalters were not only among the most popular biblical texts of the Middle Ages but also among the most richly illuminated manuscripts of their time. This is also true of the Royal Psalter, where no page is spared from gold, and its vibrant colors speak of great wealth.
A MASTERPIECE OF FRENCHE GOTHIC INSPIRED BY THE MAGNIFICENT CATHEDRALS OF THE TIME
The fantastic pictorial worlds of the Royal Psalter shine in red, blue, and green tones, complemented by majestically shimmering gold leaf. The 27 full-page miniatures of the Psalter are particularly striking due to their composition: the biblical scenes are depicted in circular medallions that are artfully intertwined. This reflects the influence that Gothic architecture had on book painting at the time – the decorative composition as well as the coloring and brilliance of the miniatures are reminiscent of the colorful medallion windows of French cathedrals.
BRILLIANT MINIATURES OF THE GREATEST VIRTUOSITY
The magnificent Psalter, consisting of 192 folios in the format of 28 x 22 cm, is adorned not only with the 27 full-page miniatures but also with 24 circular medallions in the calendar section, depicting the zodiac signs and symbolic scenes for each month. The detailed Psalms section also contains numerous richly gilded initial letters and countless ornaments and drolleries such as small dragons, dogs, birds, and other fantastic creatures that often frolic beyond the text field on the margins of the folios. Precious gold leaf makes almost every folio of the Psalter shine. The illustrations testify to the great virtuosity and innovative power of the involved book painters. Due to stylistic features, the manuscript can be clearly attributed to the Parisian school.
A MYSTERIOUS MANUSCRIPT
From the rich decoration of the Royal Psalter and the lavish use of gold, it can be concluded that the Psalter was made for a lady of the high nobility. It is not definitively clear whether the Psalter was originally commissioned by or for Blanche or if it merely came into her possession. However, it was definitely intended for a female user, as indicated by a designation in a prayer on folio 190r with the words “miserrimam peccatricem” (“most wretched sinner”). This woman, possibly Blanche of Castile, is depicted on folio 122v in a magnificent initial, showing her praying before an altar.
GUARDED AS A TREASURE IN SAINTE-CHAPELLE FOR CENTURIES
The significance of the manuscript can be measured by its history and decoration: since 1335, it was kept in the treasure of Sainte-Chapelle and was only transferred to the Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal at the end of the 18th century. To protect the binding – one of the few surviving examples of Romanesque bookbinding – a “Chemise” was presumably made by Charles V, a splendid fabric embroidered all over with golden fleur-de-lys. For the first time, such a “Chemise” is also reproduced in the facsimile. In the 19th century, an additional protective decorative case was made for representative storage. The facsimile edition is also delivered in an elegant wooden case, which, together with the “Chemise,” protects the edition. The edition is limited worldwide to 600 numbered copies.
"The Royal Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle: A Masterpiece of Medieval Book Art and a Testimony of Deepest Piety."
Characteristics
The Royal Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle | |
Creation Year | 1230 |
Place of Origin | France |
Library | Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal |
Signature | MS 1186 |
Extent | 192 folios |
Miniatures | 27 full page miniatures |
Language | |
Type of Manuscript | |
Genre | Psalter |
Artist/Workshop | Christine de Pizan |
Die Edition
The Royal Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle | |
Format | 28cm x 22cm |
Limitation | 600 copies |
Binding | reproduction of the original Pomanesque cover with rich blind embossing. Also a Chemise and a 19th century cassette |
Commentary Volume (Language) | |
Publisher | Müller und Schindler |
Item Number | 72081 |
Questions and Answers
What is the King’s Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle?
The King’s Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle is a medieval manuscript that contains Psalms and other biblical texts. It is known for its elaborate and artistic illustrations.
Why is the King’s Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle of historical significance?
This manuscript is an outstanding example of medieval book art and provides valuable insights into the religious and artistic practices of the Middle Ages.
Where is the King’s Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle located today?
Today, the King’s Psalter is housed in the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris, where it is preserved and studied as a valuable cultural artifact.
Where can one purchase the "King’s Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle"?
The "King’s Psalter of Sainte-Chapelle" is available through the Universal Art Group, which offers it as part of their commitment to disseminating culturally and historically significant works.
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