Description
A beautifully illustrated art historical reference book which explores the central role of the Book of Psalms in the Middle Ages.
Traditionally ascribed to King David, the Hebrew Book of Psalms is a varied collection of sacred poems that constitute the longest and most popular book of the Bible. Offering inspiration, hope and comfort to people for thousands of years, these verses include expressions of lament and loss, petitions and confessions, as well as exclamations of joy and thanksgiving—universal themes that speak to what it means to be human.
Sing a New Song: The Psalms in Medieval Art and Life traces the impact of the psalms on the men and women of medieval Europe from the sixth to the sixteenth century. It encompasses daily practices and performance, as well as the creation of Psalters (Books of Psalms), some of the most richly ornamented manuscripts ever made. Life, liturgy and art in the Middle Ages and Renaissance were suffused by psalms. They were present at the beginning of one’s life and at the end: children learned to read from psalms, and the dying were comforted by their recitation. Exploring the integration of the psalms in medieval life, this stunningly illustrated and comprehensive publication charts the ubiquitous presence of this poetry in people’s lives over the course of a millennium.
Edited by Roger S. Wieck
Assisted by Emerald Lucas
Contributions by Deirdre Jackson, Frederica Law-Turner, Joshua O’Driscoll and Roger S. Wieck
Roger S. Wieck is the Melvin R. Seiden Curator and Department Head of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts, Morgan Library & Museum
Joshua O’Driscoll is associate curator of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts, Morgan Library & Museum
Deirdre Jackson is assistant curator, Morgan Library & Museum
Frederica Law-Turner is an independent art historian specializing in medieval illuminated manuscripts and tapestries
Emerald Lucas is Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellow, Morgan Library & Museum
Table of Contents
- Director’s Foreword by Colin B. Bailey
- Acknowledgments and Nota bene
- Introduction: David as Psalmist by Deirdre Jackson
- I • Translating the Psalms by Joshua O’Driscoll
- II • Teaching the Psalms by Deirdre Jackson
- III • Illuminating the Psalms by Frederica Law-Turner
- IV • Performing the Psalms by Roger S. Wieck
- V • Using the Psalms by Roger S. Wieck and Deirdre Jackson
- Bibliography
- Index of Manuscripts
- General Index
- The Morgan Library & Museum Staff and Volunteers
- Image Credits
