Image
© Hildesheim, St Godehard
Image
© Hildesheim, St Godehard |
| Psalm: |
132
& 133
|
| Iconography: |
Above,
Christ blesses a band of joyfully united men, while one looks on in
resentment: Behold how good and how pleasant [a thing it is]:
for brothers to dwell in unity. Below, the psalmist points to
the scene above and to Aaron, the priest with the beard and tonsure.The
tag refers to reward for fraternal harmony: Like perfume on the
head: which ran down on the beard on the beard of aaron. Aaron
is specifically not being blessed with ointment and looks defensive,
wrapping one arm around his body and raising his other hand in dialogue
with the psalmist who instructs him to observe the factions above.
The picture relates to fraternal harmony described at the beginning
of the psalm, but there is no depiction of the anointing oil mentioned
in the tag. Moreover, the text does not mention the resentful man.
St Augustine and St Jerome both related this psalm to the healthy
corporate life of the monastery (AP, 260; Jerome, PL,
xxvi, 1217; Augustine, PL, xxxvi, 1730 ).
133
The dancing psalmist points to the tag and raises his palm in prayer.
Inside a house all servants of the lord. Who stand in the house
of the lord raise their arms in praise: In the nights lift
up your hands to the holy places: and bless the lord.
Outside there are stars in the sky.
|
| Art: |
Some
pricking visible on edge of page. |
| Thread
stitch: |
yes |
| Historical
Relevance: |
This
image deviates from both the psalm and the tag specifically to highlight
the contrast between fraternal harmony and resentment. Aaron the priest
is the leader of these men and he is being reminded about the blessings
of harmony: he is not being anointed as the text requires. Could this
refer to Geoffrey's particular situation at St Albans where his policies
led to factions among the community? (see essay Initials,
the Title)
133
Roger uttered part of this psalm in gratitude when he heard that Christina
was still safely concealed with Alfwen and had not been abducted by
her parent's agents. May the lord of sion who made heaven and
earth bless you (Talbot, 1998, 97).
|
| Quire: |
19
|
|
