Place-Claiming in Medieval Art: The Psalter

Place-Claiming in Medieval Art

• The text explores place-claiming in medieval art, specifically through the lens of a Psalter or Book of Psalms.
• The Psalter in question is similar to the one created by Melisende, Queen of Jerusalem.
• It showcases a blend of “Frankish” and “Islamic” influences.

Artistic Elements

• The Psalter features iconography common in Western art, including the Annunciation and Nativity.
• The text details characteristics like animated hems, curving blue ribbons, and animals drawing the letter "B" as typical of Western art.
• It also notes the prefacing of the Old Testament with New Testament scenes, arranged chronologically.

Stylistic Techniques

• The Psalter exhibits distinct elements of Byzantine art, including representations of the Nativity in a cave setting, Jesus' bath below, and the spindle in the Annunciation scene.
• It utilizes techniques like green underpainting, gold highlights, and coloristic effects.

Patronage

• The intended audience of the Psalter appears to be a female reader, possibly a Benedictine nun.
• The text suggests a potential connection to Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, or his wife.
• The Psalter contains prayers for an abbess and incorporates Benedictine liturgical calendar elements.

Holy Land Connection

• The Psalter’s calendar focuses specifically on holidays celebrated at the Holy Sepulchre.
• This suggests a strong interest in the Holy Land on the part of the patron.
• The patron may have been a "translated" nun, forced to relocate after Christian communities were displaced from Jerusalem.

Prayer Content

• The Psalter includes prayers for the protection of holy sites, as well as for heathens, enemies, prisoners of war, pilgrims, and travelers.
• The litany of saints specifically features female saints venerated in Outremer convents.
• The inclusion of these elements reflects the wider context of the Crusades and the displacement of religious communities.

Explore the intricate world of medieval art through the lens of a Psalter, particularly the one created by Queen Melisende of Jerusalem. This quiz delves into the blend of Frankish and Islamic influences, artistic elements, stylistic techniques, and the significance of patronage in the creation of these works. Test your knowledge on this fascinating intersection of culture and art history.