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House of Art
TUES–SUN 10:00–18:00

The Ormesby Psalter – a treasure of Gothic book-painting

14. 4. 2026

4:30 p.m.– 6 p.m.

Lecture by Marek Zágora. Only in Czech.

The Ormesby Psalter, which is located in the Bodleian Library in Oxford (MS. Douce 366), ranks among the best-known but at the same time the most mysterious medieval manuscripts. This magnificent but unfinished parchment manuscript comprises over 200 pages with fascinating illustrations. There are far fewer illuminations in the Ormesby Psalter than in other manuscripts of the same type, yet its illuminations are true works of art, created by an artist who was highly adept at handling colour while also displaying a refined sense of detail and humour. The illuminated pages feature rich ornamentation, brought to life by numerous representatives of the animal world. The marginal ornamentation also depicts various characters such as musicians, warriors or lovers. These are juxtaposed and contrasted with scenes from everyday life, knightly tales, and fables. The lecture explores the unique illustrations in this Gothic gem.

The lecture will be streamed live on Facebook and the gallery’s YouTube channel.

Advance booking necessary  

free entrance


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