Paris Psalter
Type:
Illuminated manuscripts,
Psalters
Date:
Mid-tenth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Turkey
Medium:
Parchment
Dimensions:
37 × 26.5 cm
Description:
The luxurious Paris Psalter, made in Constantinople but now named after the institution that owns it, is associated with Emperor Constantine VII (r. 945–59) and captures his interest in classical-looking art. In the scene of David (supposed author of the Psalms) slaying Goliath, a personification of Power (labeled in Greek) supports David in combat and looks on as Arrogance runs off. In addition to abstract concepts or traits, environmental and astronomical features appear as personifications throughout the book's full-page illuminations. In the illustration of Moses parting the Red Sea, there are personifications of the night (Nyx in the upper left corner), the desert/wilderness (Eremos, below Nyx), and the Erythraean Sea, literally the Red Sea, the bare-breasted figure holding an oar in the bottom right.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
5
Repository and Online Resources:
• Flip through the Paris Psalter on the website of the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
