Treasures from the British Library
Originating from a series of donations by British monarchs and leading bibliophiles going back to the 18th century, the British Library is the largest national library in the world and is home to some of the greatest historical, cultural, and literary artifacts in the United Kingdom. Formerly part of the British Museum, it was made into a separate institution in 1973 and combined with other organizations and archives to create a research library that is second to none. Its holdings include one of the largest and richest collections of medieval manuscripts in the world, including manuscripts originating from the British Isles, Continental Europe, and around the world.
Treasures from the British Library
The British Library, the national library of the United Kingdom, is the largest national library in the world with a catalogue containing 150–200+ million items. Created in 1973, it had previously been a department of the famous British Museum, but also folded in some smaller institutions. The library’s construction was the largest public building project of 20th century Britain. It has some of the world’s most substantial holdings of manuscripts and historical items dating back to 2000 BC. The backbone of the collection is rooted in a series of 18th century donations, including the donations of the Old Royal Library by King George II (1683–1760) and the King’s Library by King George III (1738–1820), as well as three collections that were brought together in 1753: the Cotton, Harley, and Sloane Collections. These are further appended by the likes of the Arundel and Egerton Collections. This incredible assemblage boasts some of the finest examples of manuscript art not only from England, but from continental Europe, the Middle East, even as far as China.
The ten single pages assembled here not only represent some of the finest examples of medieval European illumination in the British Library, but in the entire world altogether:
1. Beginning of the Gospel of Matthew
Lindisfarne Gospels
Lindisfarne Priory, ca. 698
Dimensions: 24.0 x 34.0 cm
Luke the Evangelist
Harley Golden Gospels
Aachen, ca. 800
Dimensions: 23.0 x 37.0 cmInitial Page “B”
Benedictional of St. Æthelwold
Winchester, ca. 980
21.0 x 28.5 cmThe Three Magi
Melisende Psalter
Jerusalem, 1131–1143
Dimensions: 14.0 x 21.5 cmAnnunciation to Mary - Moses and Gideon
Psalter of Henry the Lion
Helmarshausen, after 1185
Dimensions: 12.5 x 20.5 cmAnnunciation and Visitation
Oscott Psalter
England, ca. 1270
Dimensions: 18.5 x 29.5 cmAscension of Christ
Hours of John the Fearless
Paris, ca. 1415
Dimensions: 17.5 x 24.5 cmMark the Evangelist
Bedford Hours
Paris, ca. 1423
Dimensions: 18.0 x 26.0 cmAdoration of the Magi
Hours of Amadée de Saluces
Savoy, ca. 1460
Dimensions: 18.5 x 27.5 cmAdoration of the Shepherds
Book of Hours of Perugino
Bologna, ca. 1500
Dimensions: 13.5 x 20.0 cm
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- Kassette Schätze der British Library
- Origin
- France
- Date
- 7th–16th century
- Style
- Genre
- Illustrations
- 10 miniatures
- Content
- Ten leaves from important manuscripts from the British Library
Hours of Amadée de Saluces
Adoration of the Magi
Seated at the door of the stable where Jesus was born, Mary is shown receiving the gift of the first and eldest of the Magi, who has laid down his crown beside him as he kneels. The other two Magi waiting with their gifts are styled as young Renaissance princes wearing crowns, short ruffled tunics, and tights; their entourages approach in the distance. All three have turbans with a distinctly Indo-Persian flare, hinting at their origins in rich and distant eastern lands.
Lindisfarne Gospels
Chi Rho Monogram, Gospel of Matthew
Following the account of Christ’s genealogy, Insular Gospel books often featured a second incipit page at Matthew 1:18 with the Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P). This monogram was initially used by Emperor Constantine the Great for his military banners, but subsequently became an abbreviation for Christ’s name in Latin and a symbol of his victory over Death.
An abbreviation for “Christi”, the letters “XPI” are presented prominently with incredibly elaborate interlace patterns and swirls rendered in the brightest and most expensive pigments available to contemporary artists. The frame surrounding the text is additionally adorned with animal heads and perfectly complements the large initial to create a perfectly balanced composition.
#1 Kassette Schätze der British Library
Language: German
(under 1,000€)
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