The Rinceau Design, the Minor Arts and the St. Louis Psalter (original) (raw)

AI-generated Abstract

The study explores the unique border design of the Saint Louis Psalter, a 13th-century manuscript commissioned by King Louis IX of France, linking it to architectural and metallurgic ornamentations of the same era. The rinceau decoration, characterized by ivy leaves encircled by vines, signifies a departure from typical manuscript decorations, showing increased botanical fidelity over time and its application across various media, including metalwork and architectural elements. By examining visual sources, the research sheds light on how the rinceau border functions as a demarcation of sacred versus profane spaces, highlighting the interplay between different artistic traditions in 13th-century France.