Getty Museum

Bute Psalter

Date

text and illumination about 1285; additional text and illumination about 1330

Medium

Tempera colors, gold, and iron gall ink

Culture

French

Department

Manuscripts

Institution

Getty Museum

Probably made for a noblewoman in the late 1200s, the *Bute Psalter* is a small prayer book containing all 150 psalms. A number of other additional texts illuminated by an anonymous Parisian painter were added in the mid-1300s. The manuscript's name derives from that of a previous owner, the Marquess of Bute. A talented and important artist, known as the Bute Master for his work in this book, created the illuminations for the portion of the manuscript dating from the 1200s. He painted 190 historiated initials and numerous marginal drolleries. Instead of giving precedence to the eight major divisions of the psalms as was customary, he devoted a figural scene to every psalm. Furthermore, the illuminations display distinctive, original iconography that may reflect the patron's wishes.

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