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.