Psalter Leaf, Paris, circa 1200-1225

In the Middle Ages, the devout were expected to engage in a series of daily devotions, structured around the reading of the Psalms. This original leaf from a medieval manuscript Psalter contains 19 lines, written in Latin on animal parchment in small gothic bookhand with serrated line extenders in red, blue and burnished gold. Two large multi-line illuminated initials in gold on burgundy and blue background with an interior of delicate white tracery and orange flowers extending into the margin. Both sides have ¼ inch bar borders with gold initials on burgundy and blue with white tracery.