A
better model for the modern illuminator could not easily be found. Other
examples may be briefly enumerated, in 2 B. 8, 2 B. 10, 2 B. 1, 2 B. 12
and 13, 18 A. 12, 18 C. 26, Harl. 1719, 1892, etc. The Psalter 2 B. 8
has the good fortune to be dated, and its purpose and other particulars
clearly set forth in a statement at the beginning of the volume. The
gist of this is that it was composed at the instance of the Lady Joan
Princess of Wales, mother of Richard II., and that it was executed by
Brother John Somour (Seymour), a Franciscan, in 1380. Thus the
illumination of it would probably be done about the time, of the young
Queen's arrival in England. The Princess Joan died July 8th, 1385. The
work corresponds with this date. The Grandison Psalter is perhaps
somewhat later than Roy. 2 B. 1, and the rest are later still.
[Illustration:
VEGETIUS FOUR BOOKS OF KNIGHTHOOD
(DE RE MILITARI)
15TH CENT.
_Brit. Mus. Roy. MS. 18 A. xii, f. 1_]
[Illustration:
PSALTERIUM
C. 1470
_Brit. Mus. Harl. MS. 1719, fol. 73 v._]
One rather fine example is seen in Arund. MS. 109, a folio called the
Melreth Missal, because given by William Melreth, Alderman of London, to
the church of St. Lawrence, Old Jewry. He died in 1446.
For topographical miniature a good example occurs in Roy.
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