NYPL's Public Domain Archive. Not developed or endorsed by NYPL. Part of the World's largest public domain source PICRYL.com.
Psalm 1, David playing Harp. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Psalm 1, David playing Harp. - Public domain medieval manuscript

description

Summary

A book of hours is a type of devotional text that was popular in the Middle Ages, particularly in the late medieval period. It is a type of prayer book that contains a collection of prayers and devotional texts that were meant to be read at specific times of the day, known as the "hours." These texts were usually written in Latin and were intended for personal use by laypeople, although some were also used by monks and other religious figures. The book of hours typically included a calendar of feast days, psalms, and other prayers, as well as illustrations and decorations.

David was a skilled musician and poet, and he played the harp to soothe King Saul when he was tormented by evil spirits. David's musical abilities and his role as a psalmist also led him to be associated with the worship of God and with the expression of devotion and praise. The image of David playing the harp remains a symbol of the connection between music, worship, and devotion in Western tradition.

date_range

Date

1344 - 1344
create

Source

New York Public Library
copyright

Copyright info

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication ("CCO 1.0 Dedication")

Explore more

books of hours
books of hours