Leaves from a Psalter by William de Brailes

Leaves from a Psalter by William de Brailes

Manuscript 330 of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, along with a leaf in the Morgan Library in New York represent an inestimable treasure in the history of illumination: seven pages from a long-lost psalter by the English miniaturist William de Brailes in the 13th century. This psalter probably originated ca. 1240 in Oxford, where the artistic genius was active. William de Brailes (active 1230–1260) is considered to be an exceptionally-talented painter and miniaturist. The seven pages of this compendium belong among the best of the surviving works of this grandiose artist!

A Stunning Visual Experience

The seven surviving pages of the psalter present the following depictions: the Last Judgement, the Fall of the Angels, a page with scenes from Christ’s childhood, scenes from the history of Cain and Abel, the Tree of Jesse, the enthroned Christ and King David, and finally the Wheel of Destiny. Luminous colors and glimmering gold characterize the first impression that the pages leave with the beholder. Extraordinarily creative, unusual and gorgeous compositions form the base of the exceptional visual experience: golden and colorful frames with round, half-circle, or mandorla-shaped picture fields, or one or two great primary miniatures with medallions in the corners of the frame give an inside view of the art of this exceptional painter. Pages full of rich imagery and exuberant luster!

William de Braile Immortalizes Himself

One detail makes these pages something very special: on one of the pages, the depiction of the Last Judgement, a signature of William de Brailes can be found! This is not merely a simple signature, but is actually a portrait: amidst the group of lost souls, a figure with a tonsure can be recognized, who is saved by the archangel Michael. In his hands he holds a scroll with the name William de Brailes. Such “self-portraits” were most unusual at this time, nonetheless, de Brailes is one of the first artists to have signed his work!