EADWINE PSALTER Meaning and
Definition
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The Eadwine Psalter is a medieval illuminated manuscript, specifically a Psalter, which was produced in the 12th century. It is named after its scribe and perhaps original owner, Eadwine, who was a monk at the English monastery of Christ Church, Canterbury. The manuscript is regarded as an exceptional example of manuscript artistry and is highly esteemed for its elaborate illumination, calligraphy, and ornamentation.
The Eadwine Psalter contains the complete text of the Psalms, along with other biblical and liturgical texts. The text is written in Latin and is accompanied by beautifully painted illustrations, adorned initials, and decorative marginalia. The illuminations depict a wide range of subjects, such as scenes from the life of Christ, biblical stories, and portraits of David, the biblical author of the Psalms.
This manuscript is notable for its elaborate decorative schemes and the exquisite attention to detail in its artwork. It is considered an important testament to the high level of skill and craftsmanship achieved by medieval manuscript illuminators. The Eadwine Psalter is now housed in the Trinity College Library, Cambridge, where it is carefully preserved and studied, both for its artistic value and its historical significance. Critics and art historians often refer to this manuscript as a masterpiece of medieval art, highlighting its contribution to the rich tradition of illuminated manuscripts in Europe.
Etymology of EADWINE PSALTER
The term "Eadwine Psalter" refers to a Medieval English illuminated manuscript, which is now held in the Cambridge University Library. The word "Eadwine" is derived from the Old English name "Ēadƿine", which combines the elements "ēad" meaning "prosperity" or "fortune", and "ƿine" meaning "friend". This name is associated with the individual for whom the psalter was made or owned, possibly a person named Eadwine.
The word "psalter" can be traced back to the Latin term "psalterium", which is the name of a stringed musical instrument used in ancient times. The Latin term was later used to refer to books containing the Book of Psalms from the Bible, which were often accompanied by musical notations.
