Luther Psalter

Martin Luther (1483–1546) had the study document printed by Johann Rhau-Grunenberg in 1513
It served as the basis for his psalm lectures at the University of Wittenberg
His personal copy is filled with countless annotations and has been preserved to this day

Luther Psalter

Sign. 71.4 Theol. 4° Herzog August Bibliothek (Wolfenbüttel, Germany)

Martin Luther: Wolfenbütteler Psalter 1513–1515 Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Description

Luther Psalter

The so-called Luther Psalter is not only the earliest printed Luther text ever, but also the foundation of his first psalm lecture, which Martin Luther (1483–1546) gave at the University of Wittenberg from 1513 to 1515. In keeping with humanist tradition, he had a Latin psalter printed for the visitors to this lecture on June 8, 1513, in Johann Rhau-Grunenberg's workshop in Wittenberg. The working text was provided with particularly large line spacing and short summaries of the individual psalms. It is also noteworthy that Luther unusually has Jesus Christ appear as a speaker in the preface, presenting quotations from the Old and New Testaments in direct speech. Luther supplemented his own copy, which is now kept in the Herzog August Library, with countless glosses, some of which are more extensive than the psalm text itself. They are an invaluable testimony to the theology, biblical interpretation, and teaching activities of the important German reformer.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Wolfenbütteler Psalter
Sepher Thehillim
Hoc est Liber Laudum sive Hymnorum qui Psalterium David dicitur
Type: Printed book on paper
Size / Format: 220 pages / 22.0 × 16.0 cm
Origin: Germany
Date: 1513–1515
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Psalters
Language: Latin
Illustrations: 6 portraits subsequently pasted in: copperplate engraving of a medallion portrait of Luther, copperplate engraving of Melanchthon, woodcut of Luther as a monk and a pen-and-ink drawing of this portrait, colored bust portrait of a theologian, probably Tilemannus Heshusius
Content: Printed book of psalms with extensive interlinear and marginal glosses by Martin Luther in preparation for his lecture on the psalms
Previous Owners: Martin Luther (1483–1546)
Jakob Probst (1486–1562)
Tilemann Heshusen (1527–1588)
Hans von Hildesheim
Eilhard Segebade (gest. 1602)
Duke Augustus of Brunswick-Lüneburg (1579–1666)

Available facsimile editions:

Single Page

Luther Psalter

Martin Luther as a Monk

A later owner added a copy of Lucas Cranach the Elder's (c. 1472–1553) woodcut depicting Luther as an Augustinian monk to fol. 1r of the psalter. The original work was created by the German Renaissance master between 1520 and 1524. It was slightly cropped for the psalter and is one of eleven surviving portraits he made of the reformer.

The half-length portrait depicts Martin Luther in front of an arcade with classical-style imposts and captivates the viewer above all with its detailed rendering of the scholar's facial features. Luther's gaze wanders thoughtfully into the distance, while his mouth shows almost the hint of a satisfied smile. He pays no attention to the large codex he holds half-open in his hands. Rather, he seems to be processing what he has just read into new thoughts.

Facsimile Editions

#1 Martin Luther: Wolfenbütteler Psalter 1513–1515

Insel Verlag – Frankfurt, 1983

Publisher: Insel Verlag – Frankfurt, 1983

Limited Edition: 100 copies

Binding: Burgundy red full leather binding. Facsimile and commentary come in a protective slipcase.

Commentary: 1 volume (558 pp.) by Eleanor Roach, Reinhard Schwarz, Siegfried Raeder, Paul Raabe, and Gerhard Ebeling
Language: German

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

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Luther Psalter

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Codicology

Luther Psalter

Martin Luther as a Monk

#1 Martin Luther: Wolfenbütteler Psalter 1513–1515

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