Arkivism
Single Leaf Excised from a Psalter: Initial D[ominus illuminatio mea] with Samuel Anointing David
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Single Leaf Excised from a Psalter: Initial D[ominus illuminatio mea] with Samuel Anointing David

c. 1270–1290 · ink, tempera, and gold on vellum

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

This historiated initial serves as a visual lead to Psalm 26, which begins with the last two lines of the page: Dominus illuminatio mea (The Lord is my light). By setting the body of the initial against a blue diapered (patterned) background for chromatic effect, the artist observed the latest fashion in book illumination.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineSingle Leaf Excised from a Psalter: Initial D[ominus illuminatio mea] with Samuel Anointing David, c. 1270–1290. Northeastern France. Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; sheet: 26.1 x 19.3 cm (10 1/4 x 7 5/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund, 1985.82
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