Anonymous medieval scribe - Medieval Latin Psalter Bifolium on Parchment – 1200 - 1250 – Decorated Initial - 1230

Medieval Latin Psalter Bifolium on Parchment – 13th Century – Decorated Initial

An original medieval bifolium (two leaves, four written pages) from a Latin Psalter, handwritten on parchment and probably produced in Western Europe during the 13th century, c. 1200–1250.

Overall dimensions: approx. 20 × 15 cm per leaf.

The Latin text is written in a characteristic early Gothic bookhand in brown/black ink and decorated with numerous alternating red and blue versal initials. Particularly attractive is the large painted initial “B”, executed in red, green and ochre/gold tones with ornamental decoration.

An especially interesting feature is a large inscription in dark black ink written across part of the original medieval text. The markedly different size, script and appearance of the ink suggest that this was added at a considerably later date, although its precise date and purpose remain unknown.

The parchment displays natural variations, staining, wear and other signs of considerable age, as visible in the photographs.

A very attractive surviving medieval Psalter bifolium, approximately 750–800 years old, preserving both the original Gothic script and its medieval coloured decoration.