3-040-171 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Decorated Initial T; Psalter, third quarter of 9th century. Additional Info: The intricately interlaced T on the front side of the leaf begins a hymn attributed to Saint Ambrose and Saint Augustine: "Te Deum laudamus" (We praise you, O Lord) and the illuminated Q on the back of the leaf begins the Athanasian Creed: "Quicumque uult saluus esse, ante omnia opus est, ut teneat catholicam fidem" (Whoever wishes to be saved must, above all, keep the Catholic faith). A psalter was one of the most important books for the daily round of monastic devotions and were arranged for use in churches and monasteries. This particular leaf is from a Carolingian psalter. The leaf's decoration and script are visually striking. Common in Carolingian manuscripts, both the illuminated T and Q are embellished with interlace patterns and dot-work, giving the letters a sense of importance and lavishness.