Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Cuerden psalter
England, Oxford, ca. 1270
MS M.756 fol. 123r

See more information »

Psalm 081:01-02 (Vulg., 080:02-03).
In upper part of initial E, David and Musicians -- David, crowned, seated on throne, with right hand extends open book of psalm to kneeling man and with left hand extends psaltery to the foremost of three male musicians, the second playing harp, and the third playing fiddle (illustration of verse 2, Vulg., 3).
In lower part of the initial, man stands with right hand indicating portal of building and with left hand holding slab of stone, beside two men with hands raised, departing to right.
Scenes against gold backgrounds, within decorated initial E adjoined by vertical bar of hybrid in left margin.