PSALM 104 IS NOW IN THE PERMANENT COLLECTION OF THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM
The 104th Psalm is a song in celebration of all creation. The psalmist marvels at the infinite variety of life on earth. With words that reflect a deep awareness of our finitude and an implicit faith in the eternity of creation, we are reminded of the intricate web which connects all living creatures.
In the ten illuminations which comprise "Psalm 104: You Renew the Face of the Earth", Barbara Wolff has attempted to reflect some of the light and brilliance of this word picture of the cosmos and illuminate its profound sense of
reverence for all creation. In a number of the paintings she has portrayed flora and fauna which the ancient Psalmist would certainly have known, and which still may be found in the land of Israel today. She has included the flowers and grasses of its fields and forests, birds which pass through the land each spring and fall, and sea creatures of the Mediterranean, from a precious Murex snail to the great whales.
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Goatskin parchment was used for all ten illuminations. Precious metal leaf used for gilding; platinum, silver, gold in the following weights and colors; 24K yellow, 23.50K red, 21K moon (gold, silver, paladium), 18K lemon, 16K pale, 13.25 white. Also 24K gold powder mixed with a binder and used as pigment. Colors include brazil wood dye, ground malachite, and modern lightfast pigments.
1. Who Stretches Out the Heavens (104:1)
2. And the Mountains Rose (104:5-8)
3. Among the Branches They Sing (104:12)
4. To Bring Forth Bread (104:14)
5. Wine that Maketh Glad the Heart of Man (104:15)
6. Who Appointed the Moon for Seasons (104:19-20)
7. The Earth is Full of Thy Creatures (104:24)
8. Leviathan Whom Thou Hast Formed (104:25-26)
9. You Renew the Face of the Earth (104:30)
10. I Will Sing Unto the Lord (104:33)