Final answer:
The psalms do have historical elements, particularly through their traditional association with King David and through historical and Christological illustrations found in texts like the Paris Psalter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the psalms have a strong historical orientation can be considered as true to a certain extent. While the psalms are primarily religious and poetic texts used in worship and prayer, they do contain elements that reflect history, particularly the life and times of King David who is traditionally credited with their authorship. In the Paris Psalter, created around 900 CE, the psalms are visually represented with full-page illustrations, including depictions of King David's life. This mix of religious content with historical and political imagery highlights both the spiritual role of the psalms and their function as a vehicle for conveying political messages.
In this specific context, Kathleen Doyle describes an innovative approach to illustrating the psalms, where each verse is paired with images that not only depict its literal meaning but also offer a Christological interpretation, treating the psalms as prefigurations of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Such complex visual commentary further underscores the layers of historical and theological meaning within the psalms. This blending of the classical past and the medieval Christian present is evident in the Paris Psalter's fusion of classical pagan imagery with medieval Christian iconography, intended to communicate the political aspirations of the Byzantine emperor.