(active 1250-1270)

Psalter of St Louis 1252-70 Illumination on parchment, 21,0 x 14,5 cm Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris

This page from the Psalter of St Louis depicts Balaam and his Ass .

It is known that Louis IX built up a library of manuscripts and himself commissioned a number of works, among them the Psalter of St Louis. It is a luxurious book, with a preliminary group of seventy-eight full-page illuminations of scenes from the Old Testament. These are remarkably uniform in their layout. Each page contains a row of figures surmounted by a handsome architectural canopy with pinnacles, traceried windows and two large gables each containing a rose window. It is worth noting that this type of decoration can equally well be found in the small reliquiaries of goldsmiths.

With these manuscripts the earlier style vanishes. Drapery falls with reasonable naturalism over the figures, it hangs rather than clings. The figures are dainty in their proportions and actions and have long arms which they tend to gesticulate. But it is perhaps in the heads that the change is most obvious. They are tiny in proportion to the bodies and are scarcely coloured, much less modelled in colour. The main features are drawn in, each head representing a minute triumph of penmanship. In the formation of this style, the influence of sculpture seems likely.

The illustration is from the story of Balaam and his ass, very popular in the Middle Ages. Balaam, riding on his ass, is followed by his servant and by the princes of Moab. The subtle and slender figures are elongated in the Gothic style; the heads are small and long, their fingers delicate and expressive. The unknown master was above all intent on conveying emotions, and the gestures of the figures are used to elucidate the story. The decorative and compelling effect of the miniature is enhanced by the magnificent colours.

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Author: MINIATURIST, French Title: Psalter of St Louis Time-line: 1251-1300 School: French Form: illumination