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Leaf from a Benedictional

Leaf from a Benedictional

Culture: French

Collected by: Otto F. Ege (American, 1888 - 1951)

Date: c. 1340 A.D.
Medium: gouache and ink on parchment.
Dimensions:
Framed: 22 7/8 x 16 7/8 x 1 3/4 in. (58.1 x 42.9 x 4.4 cm)
Sheet: 10 1/2 x 7 in. (26.7 x 17.8 cm)
Credit Line:Gift, Mrs. Otto F. Ege from the Otto F. Ege Collection
Object number: 1956.32.30.10

A benedictional is a book containing the blessings and benedictions given at the end of the Mass. Each is used at a specific time of year according to the liturgical season.

This folio is a fine example of fourteenth century illumination, most likely made in Avignon in southern France. It is clearly from a book of outstanding quality and was probably produced for a wealthy abbot or bishop. The image represented in the historiated “S” is of a bishop, identified by his mitre (ceremonial headdress) and red robes, a monk, and an attendant standing behind the monk. The bishop is blessing the cloak of the monk who is about to leave on a pilgrimage.

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