In Front | A Medieval Psalter

Already in the first centuries of the Middle Ages, the Psalms were among the most widely read books of the Bible. In many cases, the Psalms were accompanied by elaborate illustrations.

Psalters were even more popular than Gospel Books and were often used to teach people to read. One of the finest surviving psalters from the fourteenth century belonged to Elizabeth de Bohun, Countess of Northampton. This Psalter includes the Hours of the Virgin, a popular liturgy of prayers to be recited hourly. This book testifies to the unusual skill and craftsmanship of the scribes who produced it. It measures roughly 12 inches by 8 inches and would have been used for private reading and devotion, and valued as an expensive and attractive decorative object.

Scroll through some of the pages of this Psalter below. This book is currently in the Museum of the Bible collection.

Courtesy of Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. © Museum of the Bible, 2020.

Courtesy of Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. © Museum of the Bible, 2020.

Courtesy of Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. © Museum of the Bible, 2020.

Courtesy of Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. © Museum of the Bible, 2020.

Courtesy of Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. © Museum of the Bible, 2020.

Courtesy of Museum of the Bible Collection. All rights reserved. © Museum of the Bible, 2020.