Book cover

Unknown

ca. 1610–20 · Silver, lined with black velvet, containing a contemporary psalter · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This exquisite openwork binding may have been created in Amsterdam, where the book of Psalms it contains was published. The scrolling grotesque decoration includes medallions with The Annunciation (front) and The Adoration of the Shepherds (back), while King David playing before Saul is engraved on the spine. This precious object eloquently illustrates the esteem in which Dutch Protestants held the hundred and fifty Psalms, oft-invoked of lament and praise.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1610–20

Medium

Silver, lined with black velvet, containing a contemporary psalter

Culture

Dutch, possibly Amsterdam

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1937