Beguine Psalter

Although emphasizing labor and caring for others, most Beguines were also literate. The Psalter (book of Psalms) illustrated here was probably made by Beguines. The painting focuses on Mary: in the bottom tier is the Annunciation, when she learns that she will give birth to the Savior. At the top Mary reigns as Queen of Heaven, with a crown on her head and the baby Jesus on her lap. (© The British Library Board. All Rights Reserved. Liège Psalter, BL Add. Ms. 2114, fol. 8v.)