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Psalter from Germany

Psalter. Southern Germany, first half of the thirteenth century. Medieval and Renaissance Manuscript Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress

Call number: MEDMS9

Psalter from Germany 

The scroll decoration found in this early thirteenth-century initial is typical of the work found in southern Germany in this period. The vine-like scroll weaves and spirals around a floral decoration to form the letter “B” in “Beatus” (Blessed), the opening word of this Book of Psalms. The manuscript’s six large initial letters are good examples of the simple, natural forms used to decorate manuscripts in this early period.