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Psalter, probably written in the area around Liège in the 14th century

 Item
Identifier: Adv.MS.18.8.17

Scope and Contents

The contents are as follows:

(i) Calendar in red and black with solar notations and Easter on 27 March (folio 1). All the entries are among the feasts listed in ‘Gothic manuscript illumination in the diocese of Liège (c.1250-c.1330)’, ii, pages 214-228, except `Inventio sancti dyonisii` (22 April) in red. Saints Agatha, Egidius, Lambert, Remigius and Germanus, and Dyonisius cum sociis suis are also in red, and Saints Emmerentian, Gertrude, Ursmar, Remaclus, Hubert, and the translation of St Lambert are in black.

(ii) Psalter and canticles (folio 13). Two leaves, one of which contained on the verso the opening of Psalm 1, have been cut out.

(iii) Litany and collects (folio 306 verso). Saints Severinus, Hubert, Gertrude and Walburga are included.

(iv) Office of the Dead (folio 311). The responses are of Liège use (‘Gothic manuscript illumination in the diocese of Liège (c.1250-c.1330)’, page 232). The pages following the fifth lesson at matins are missing.

The subjects of the illumination show French influence (as described in ‘Gothic manuscript illumination in the diocese of Liège (c.1250-c.1330)’). They are roundels depicting the Occupations of the Months (folios 1-11) and a series of historiated initials: David pointing to his eyes (folio 54), a man on a journey (folio 80 verso), Saul stabbing himself (folio 104), a fool (folio 105), David in the water (folio 129 verso), David playing bells (folio 160), two clerics singing (folio 188), David at prayer (folio 191 verso), Christ enthroned (folio 219), a man holding a scroll (folio 279 verso), and the souls of the dead (folio 311). These are on gold grounds in red or blue initials extending into borders; the individual psalms and canticles are marked by smaller gold initials on red and blue grounds.

Dates

  • Creation: 14th century.

Extent

1 Volumes (ii + 318 folios.)

Language of Materials

Latin

Arrangement

Collation: 1² (1 as pastedown), 2¹² (probably single leaves), 3² (-1, 2), 4¹², 5¹⁰, 6-14¹², 15-16¹⁰, 17-20¹², 21⁸, 22-23¹⁰, 24-26¹², 27-28¹⁰, 29-30¹², 31² (2 as pastedown). Catchwords parallel to the text on folios 24 verso, 34 verso, 46 verso, and 58 verso. Late medieval foliation ii-iiccvii on folios 14-219. 13 lines. Ruled in ink (‘Gothic manuscript illumination in the diocese of Liège (c.1250-c.1330)’, page 239, Type D).

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Vellum. Binding of brown sheepskin, blind-stamped, with remains of metal clasp on upper cover, circa 1550.

Custodial History

There are a number of 15th- and 16th-century marginalia, including the initials RH (folio i), `Libellus andre wod` (folio 57), `Libellus henrici stayg" (folio 154 verso), `Iste liber pertinet domino velalmo allein [?]` (folio 192 verso), and `patrick magige` (folio 318 verso). Cipher of Sir James Balfour of Denmilne (folio 318 verso). The manuscript was bought by the Advocates’ Library in 1698.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.

Bibliography

Oliver, Judith H. ‘Gothic manuscript illumination in the diocese of Liège (c.1250-c.1330)’ (Leuven, 1988).

Physical Description

0.00 linear metresii + 318 folios.90.00 x 118.00 millimetres

Dimensions

90.00 x 118.00 millimetres

Title
National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
Author
National Library of Scotland
Date
03 02 2015
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared Using Local Descriptive Rules
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository

Contact:
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700