Luttrell Psalter

What lead the patron of the manuscript to have a psalter made with such a magnificent picture of the Middle Ages remains a mystery. Sir Geoffrey Luttrell (1276–1345), who leant the manuscript his name as its patron, was a high-ranking English nobleman, Baron, knight, and a large landowner. Shortly before the middle of the 14th century, Luttrell commission and unknown master with the work. The Luttrell Master, so named after his primary work, created this impressive manuscript in Lincolnshire, England ca. 1325–1340.

One of the Most Significant Medieval Manuscripts Altogether

The manuscript with the shelf mark Add MS 42130 of the British Library in London is a true masterpiece of Gothic illumination. On 618 pages measuring 35 x 24.5 cm, Psalms and songs are most splendidly illustrated. All the pages – over 600 altogether – were adorned with miniatures and figurative scenes. The large lines of text are surrounded with decorative ornamental bordures, vines and escutcheons, but also have all kinds of colorful figures and scenes. Thus it offers the beholder an exceptional variety of compositions and visual representations. Nevertheless, it is not only the quantity, but also and in particular the quality of the miniatures that is noteworthy. The Luttrell Master was occupied with work on the psalter for over 10 years!

The Middle Ages Come Alive

The Luttrell Psalter is one of the most comprehensive visual resources concerning medieval everyday life. Under the text on the lower margin of each page there is a large scenic depiction, e.g. a farmer at the plow, a splendid nobleman on an elegant steed, a ship on the sea, or a couple in love. This practice is continued with the magnificent historiated initials, splendidly ennobled with gold. In this way, miniatures arose that are witty and humorous, cryptic and entertaining, and which illustrate medieval life in all its aspects: from fashion to food to agrarian work.