St. james in medieval manuscripts1/10/2023 It will conserve, catalogue, curate, digitise and research these unique collections of national importance, making them accessible to a global audience, from schoolchildren to scholars. Virtual Trinity Library is a digitisation initiative of the Library of Trinity College Dublin’s most valued collections. As part of the Virtual Trinity Library’s Manuscripts for Medieval Studies project it contributes to teaching and research at Trinity College Dublin and has fostered collaboration with other universities and libraries.” For the first time in history, this exquisite manuscript by one of the world’s most famous medieval artists and chroniclers, Matthew Paris may be viewed digitally revealing its beautiful artistry in full colour. The Book of St Albans has been fully digitised ahead of the feast day of St Alban, on 22nd June.Ĭommenting on its significance, Librarian & College Archivist, Helen Shenton said: “The Library of Trinity College Dublin is delighted to make this medieval masterpiece accessible to a global audience. It has remained in the Library of Trinity College Dublin for over 350 years.įor the first time, this manuscript is now fully digitised and available online, a process which has been undertaken through the Virtual Trinity Library initiative as part of its Manuscripts for Medieval Studies project funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York. This technique was distinctly English, dating back to Anglo Saxon art of the 10th century.įrom St Albans Abbey, it came into the ownership of the Elizabethan Royal adviser and astronomer, John Dee, following which it was sold to James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh, and subsequently came to Trinity with his library in 1661. The artwork consisting of mostly framed narrative scenes, is a tinted drawing technique where outlined drawings are highlighted with coloured washes from a limited palette. The content at times gruesome, include illustrations featuring the decapitation of St Alban and his executioner whose eyes literally pop out of his head at the point of execution. It was borrowed by noble ladies of the period, including the King’s sister-in-law Countess of Cornwall, Sanchia of Provence, and others. Written in Latin it also contains Anglo-Norman French which made it accessible to a wider secular audience including educated noble women. The Book of St Albans was a high-status book, viewed by King Henry VI. The book was held in St Albans Abbey for 300 years until the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539.Īll other precious manuscripts by Matthew Paris are held in the British Library, and the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Chetham’s Library Manchester. It was a major site of pilgrimage receiving many pilgrims from Ireland. The monastery at St Albans was one of the most important in the country. It also outlines the construction of St Albans cathedral. The precious manuscript survived the chaos and trauma of the dissolution of the monasteries and came to Trinity College Dublin in 1661.Ĭreated by the renowned scribe, the Benedictine monk, Matthew Paris of St Albans Abbey in England, the manuscript chronicles the life of St Alban, the first Christian martyr in England. The 13th century masterpiece features 54 individual works of medieval art and has fascinated readers across the centuries, from royalty to renaissance scholars. One of the most finely illustrated medieval manuscripts, Matthew Paris’s Book of St Albans has been digitised by the Library of Trinity College Dublin for the first time.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |