Breslau Psalter

Breslau Psalter

In the unique Breslau Psaltervarious influences of European illumination come alive in a most impressive way. Originating in Breslau between 1255 and 1267, the manuscript was furnished by at least seven Silesian artists, who worked under the direction of the Italian Giovanni da Gaibana. Altogether, they conjured up 27 full-page miniatures, 168 marginal miniatures, 36 calendar medallions, 10 decorated initial pages, as well as numerous ornaments and figurative scenes in the margins.

An Example of European Illumination

The Breslau Psalter is an outstanding example for the cultural exchange between East and West, North and South. While German scribes were responsible for the text of the Psalms and Old Testament hymns, Giovanni da Gaibana, an illuminator originating from Padua, was the primary master of the miniatures. An entire team of Silesian painters worked under him, who supported him with the creation of a great number of illustrations. It was only in this manner that such a visual world could come to be, which connects the **shimmering gold background and eastern cupolas with the occidental repertoire of forms.

A Great Wealth of Adornment

Each of the Psalms and hymns is furnished with its own picture, the result of which is that space for up to three depictions sometimes had to be found on a page. This high density of miniatures is even more astounding when one looks at them more closely and discovers the comprehensive visual language and the great diversity of motifs. Thus, the figures do not find themselves in front of a shimmering gold background, but rather before fanciful architectures with pointed arches, Gothic trefoils and quatrefoils and delicate columns. The design of the faces and the various poses are particularly individualized. Emotions such a grief and sympathy can be clearly recognized from the interplay between gestures and facial expressions.

A Bohemian Duchess as Patron

Judging by the accentuation of the Bohemian saints in the calendar of the Psalter and the feminine forms of the prayers it can be assumed that Anne of Bohemia (1204–1268) was the patron of the marvelous manuscript. She was the widow of Henry II, Duke of Silesia (1196/1204–1241) and founded the Krzeszów Abbey in 1242 with their son Boleslaw II.