Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland
Portrayal of the Ascension of Christ in a 13th century manuscript
Manuscript title: Rheinau Psalter
Manuscript summary: The Rheinau Psalter, Ms. Rh. 167, is among the preeminent treasures of the Zurich Central Library. Its miniatures are a product of the highest level of artistry of the High Gothic painting of this period around 1260, which is also true for the sophisticated color and painting techniques that were used. In contrast, the script, while of quite good quality, cannot be counted among the highest examples of the art of writing. The commissioner of the manuscript must be sought in the area of Lake Constance, probably in the city of Constance, which was very important in the politics and church politics at the time of the interregnum. In 1817, Father Blasius Hauntinger purchased the manuscript from Melchior Kirchhofer in Schaffhausen for the Benedictine Rheinau Abbey; in 1863, the manuscript, along with the Rheinau Abbey Library, became part of the Cantonal Library (today Central Library) in Zurich.
Origin: Constance/area of Lake Constance
Period: 13th century
Image source: Zürich, Zentralbibliothek, Ms. Rh. 167, f. 123v – Rheinau Psalter (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/zbz/Ms-Rh-0167/123v)
Portrayal of the Ascension of Christ in a 13th century manuscript
Manuscript title: Rheinau Psalter
Manuscript summary: The Rheinau Psalter, Ms. Rh. 167, is among the preeminent treasures of the Zurich Central Library. Its miniatures are a product of the highest level of artistry of the High Gothic painting of this period around 1260, which is also true for the sophisticated color and painting techniques that were used. In contrast, the script, while of quite good quality, cannot be counted among the highest examples of the art of writing. The commissioner of the manuscript must be sought in the area of Lake Constance, probably in the city of Constance, which was very important in the politics and church politics at the time of the interregnum. In 1817, Father Blasius Hauntinger purchased the manuscript from Melchior Kirchhofer in Schaffhausen for the Benedictine Rheinau Abbey; in 1863, the manuscript, along with the Rheinau Abbey Library, became part of the Cantonal Library (today Central Library) in Zurich.
Origin: Constance/area of Lake Constance
Period: 13th century
Image source: Zürich, Zentralbibliothek, Ms. Rh. 167, f. 123v – Rheinau Psalter (www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/zbz/Ms-Rh-0167/123v)