David playing the psaltery

  • Paris, Bibl. Mazarine, ms. 0366, f. 012 - vue 2
  • Paris, Bibl. Mazarine, ms. 0366, f. 012 - vue 1

Summary

: David playing the psaltery

: Institut de France, Île-de-France, France
Location type : Library

: Hauts-de-France, Hauts-de-France, France

: 15

: 1455 -1500

: Illumination

: Paper / Parchment

: Initiale

: David jouant du psaltérion


:
http://initiale.irht.cnrs.fr/decors/decors.php?id=80523


: Valérie Le Page

Performer(s)
  • Performer information
    Type: musician

    Genre: male

    Posture: Standing, head-and-shoulder portrait, playing the instrument with two plectrums. He is wearing an aureole

    Character quality or function: Biblical character

    Comment: David holds his instrument on his chest, symbolizing the music of the heart. Without a crown, he is depicted as a prophet and not as a king.

    Instrument information
    Instrument : psaltery - (Hornbostel-Sachs system: 314.122.1 )
    Shape: pig's head
    Number of strings: 21
    Number of soundholes: 3
    Soundhole s shape: undetermined
    Soundhole s position: other
    Tuning pins position: other
    Tuning pins shape: round buttons
    Runing key: no
    Position of the instrumentalist: standing
    Holding of the instrument: in front of his chest
    Playing technique: plucked
    Plucked: yes
    Position of the hand: other
    Plectrum: yes




Number of performers: 1

Source of musical inspiration: God

Chromatic: Red and blue : clothes - initial - foliage motif - capital letter. Golden : instrument - separation of the columns - animal.

Comment: Blue and red colours are linked to the writing and decoration. The golden line starts from the initial and invites the eyes to look at the animal (deer) in the rich illumination in the bottom of the page. Might be the symbolism of the holy word to the God's people on earth. Margins are particularly decorated with floral patterns