Psalterium featuring ivy illuminations

A psalter like this one is a collection of psalms which detail texts and songs that would be memorized by priests. Psalters/psalteriums are an example of a liturgical book, and they refer to the rituals and ceremonies of the church. Illuminations and decorations in these books helped to impress people who might be illiterate (De Hamel).

This psalterium exemplifies the harmonious relationship between the ivy illustrations and the characters of the text. In this psalterium, delicate ivy leaves grace the inner border of the page. It ties into capital letters, but possesses a straight hard edge as if keeping the text in line. The leaves of the ivy are petite and consistent, with three thin fronds gracing each leaf. They frame the page, but complement the text with a similar thickness in form. The characters of the text feel similar to the ivy leaves because of their angular forms, similar to the points of the leaf. The colors in the decorative letters further unify the text and the illumination, creating a harmonious relationship that grounds the page.

The significance of the ivy on this illuminated leaf undermine the religious significance of the ivy plant. Because of the beliefs surrounding ivy in both religious and magical contexts, decorating the pages of this religious manuscript with vines of ivy and delicate leaves is both justified and historically relevant.

France

1301-1399

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Vellum leaf, 18x12 cm

Latin Text.

Gothic Script.

Psalterium, contains religious lyrics and is used in religious context by priests for prayer or practice

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