Parma Psalter
The so-called Parma Psalter is considered to be one of the most impressive Hebrew manuscripts in the history of illumination. The Hebrew manuscript was made ca. 1280 in Northern Italy for a wealthy patron. Gorgeous ornamentation with figurative elements, precious gold, and grandiose compositions illustrate the 150 Psalms, which are of special significance for the Jewish religion and culture: the Psalms were recited at particular occasions – in everyday life or for special events. In this way, alongside its status as an outstanding piece of 13th century art, it offers a gorgeous glimpse into medieval Jewish culture!
Parma Psalter
The so-called Parma Psalter is considered to be one of the most impressive Hebrew manuscripts in the history of illumination. The Hebrew manuscript was made ca. 1280 in Northern Italy for a wealthy patron. Gorgeous ornamentation with figurative elements, precious gold, and grandiose compositions illustrate the 150 Psalms, which are of special significance for the Jewish religion and culture: the Psalms were recited at particular occasions – in everyday life or for special events. In this way, alongside its status as an outstanding piece of 13th century art, it offers a gorgeous glimpse into medieval Jewish culture!
The Significance of the Psalms
Codex MS. Parm. 1870 (De Rossi 510) of the Bibilioteca Palatina in Parma, Italy is considered to be one of the most impressive Hebrew manuscripts and a special gem of the collections. The manuscript is a book of Psalms, also known as a Tehillim. One such Psalm-book had great significance for the Jewish religion and culture. The Psalms were spoken at fixed times of day and events, e.g. at weddings, circumcisions, or on the Sabbath. These significant ceremonies are additionally elucidated in the manuscript.
Psalm-Illustrations
The Parma Psalter originated at the behest of a rich northern Italian patron ca. 1280. The 150 Psalms are gorgeously illustrated on the manuscript’s 452 pages measuring 13.5 x 10 cm. Artful ornamentation, sometimes featuring figurative elements, adorn the pages of the Hebrew psalter. The high-quality paintings were additionally ennobled with gold leaf. The gorgeous compositions of the scenes are comprised of magnificently creative pictorial adornments – animals, people, and fantastical creatures for various themes. At the same time, a special focus is placed thematically on music. Therefore, various historical musical instruments, inter alia, are illustrated – something rarely found in the art of the time. These miniatures, which illustrated the content of the Psalms, account for the special charm of the Parma Psalter!
A Rare Psalm-Commentary
The Parma manuscript found itself in the possession of Giovanni Bernardo de Rossi, a significant Christian Hebraist who made the manuscript famous. Alongside the 150 Psalms, the Parma Psalter contains a special feature: the famous commentary by Abraham Ibn Esra. He was an important Jewish poet and scholar of the 12th century. His famous commentary on the Psalms has rarely been handed down from this time. The Parma Psalter presents itself as an impressive testimonial to Jewish scholarship in the Middle Ages!
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Tehillim
Parma-Psalter - Size / Format
- 452 pages / 13.5 × 10.0 cm
- Origin
- Italy
- Date
- Ca. 1280
- Epochs
- Style
- Genre
- Language
- Illustrations
- Each of the 150 psalms is illuminated
- Previous Owners
- Giovanni Bernardo De Rossi (1742–1831)
Parma Psalter
Psalms 10 and 11
A large eagle with spread wings is perched to the left of the initial word and between the text of the two Psalms. In his verses, the Psalmist protests: In the Lord I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”? For look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string… (Ps. 11:1-2) The tip of its left wing is held by an enigmatic ape, who is likely just ornamental, sitting atop the initial letter and wearing a tall golden headdress.

Parma Psalter
Psalm 15
Hebrew manuscripts often feature drolleries of humans with animal heads, and although subtle, here we see a man with the face of a dog. Standing behind a small golden mountain, he is under a bell tent with blue and gold bands that is topped by a golden fleur-de-lis. The opening verse of this Psalm asks: Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? (Ps. 15:1)
The text and imagery together suggest that gold may have been a corrupting force for both the tent of the Lord and for the Temple Mount – the Temple of Solomon – that succeeded it as the earthly dwelling place of Yahweh. At the bottom of the page, a lanky hound dog with visible ribs snags a bite of the initial letter, completing the canine motif.

#1 The Parma Psalter
Language: English
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