Manuscript

Fitzwilliam Museum, MS 1-2005
(Macclesfield Psalter)

Codicology

Produced: England (East Anglia), 1330-1340
Current Location: Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, England, UK
Manuscript Type: Psalter
Language: Latin
Folios: 252
Illustrated: Yes
Media: Parchment
Script: Gothic bookhand
Dimensions: Height: 17 cm Width: 10.8 cm
Sample page - Fitzwilliam Museum MS 1-2005
Folio 22r

Description

This Psalter manuscript has some animal images as marginal decorations, including some from the fables of Reynard the Fox.


Fitzwilliam Museum manuscript description:

This tiny Psalter is the most remarkable English illuminated manuscript to be discovered in living memory. It was made c. 1330-1340 in East Anglia, probably in Norwich, which was a thriving economic, religious and artistic centre with cosmopolitan connections. The manuscript contains the book of Psalms (150 Old Testament poems), prefaced by a Calendar and a prayer. ... The texts are framed by full or partial bar borders on burnished gold grounds. These are richly decorated with spirals of leafy vines, birds and animals, knotwork, naked figures, and fanciful creatures, especially hybrids.... The bas-de-page scenes included on every page of the manuscript display the earthy humor considered a hallmark of East Anglian illumination.

Additional Descriptions

Additional description

Editions and Facsimiles

Digital facsimiles

Fitzwilliam Museum (Partial)