The Psalter and Book of Hours of John Duke of Bedford

Medieval

British Library

1414

The Psalter and Book of Hours of John Duke of Bedford, son of Henry IV and regent of France from 1422 (his name, arms and crest are all given). This splendid manuscript was entirely unknown before the vendor brought it to the British Museum in 1928. The Duke had previously been regarded as a patron of foreign artists only and this work is important as showing the Duke was not above employing artists on this side of the channel when he could find them. Illuminator: Herman. Remarkable for the 280 small portrait head in initials.

• Medium: manuscript
• Dimensions: 40.6 x 27.9cm
• Art Fund Grant: £10500 ( Total: £33,000)
• ArtFunded in: 1930
• Vendor: Herbert Weld

Provenance

William Catesby (his arms), d 1485. Lulworth Castle; Pierpont Morgan for loan to British Museum until funds were raised for the outright purchase.

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