Copenhagen Psalter

Illumination depicting the Nativity of Jesus from the Copenhagen Psalter

The Copenhagen Psalter (National Library of Denmark, MS. Thott 143 2º) is a 12th-century illuminated manuscript psalter, made in England. It has 199 leaves, is made of parchment and measures 28.6 centimetres (11.3 in) x 19.8 centimetres (7.8 in).[1] It begins with a calendar and a set of full-page miniatures illustrating the life of Christ, and 166 illuminated initials.[1][2] The calligraphy and the illuminations are of the very highest quality.

The manuscript was made probably in northern England, perhaps Lincoln. Because the list of saints in the manuscript does not include Thomas Becket, who was canonized in 1173, it is likely that the manuscript was executed before this year. Several artists seem to have been involved in the making of the manuscript, one of whom has been identified as the so-called Simon master, who also worked for Abbot Simon of St Albans.[2]

Much seems to indicate that the book was made for King Canute VI of Denmark, and commissioned by Bishop Eskil of Lund. The Bishop was in France between 1158 and 1168, and so was with all probability one of the artists identified as having worked with the Copenhagen Psalter later. When Eskil returned to Denmark in 1168, he was commissioned with preparing celebrations in 1170 which were to take place due to both the upcoming coronation of Canute and to celebrate the canonization of Saint Canute. Perhaps because it was made for a boy king, just seven years old, the Copenhagen Psalter includes an alphabet, and aside from its religious use, could be used to teach the young king to read. Earlier scholars have assumed that the manuscript was made for an English patron.[2]

An alternative theory has been proposed in 2016[3] by Christopher de Hamel, who proposes as patron King Valdemar the Great, ruler of Denmark, 1157-82. De Hamel also remarks that although the illumination is in the English manner, it could have been executed (perhaps by an English team) either in Paris or even in Denmark. The evidence is inconclusive.

References

  1. 1 2 "Thott 143 2º: The Copenhagen Psalter". Center for Manuscripts & Rare Books. National Library of Denmark.
  2. 1 2 3 Hourihane (ed.), Colum (2012). The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture, Volume 2. Oxford University Press. p. 193. ISBN 0195395360.
  3. ↑ De Hamel, Christopher (2016). Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts. London: Allen Lane. pp. 304–315. ISBN 978 0 241 00304 6.
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