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Petitioning for Patronage: An Illuminated Tale of Exile from Syon Abbey, Lisbon
DOI link for Petitioning for Patronage: An Illuminated Tale of Exile from Syon Abbey, Lisbon
Petitioning for Patronage: An Illuminated Tale of Exile from Syon Abbey, Lisbon book
Petitioning for Patronage: An Illuminated Tale of Exile from Syon Abbey, Lisbon
DOI link for Petitioning for Patronage: An Illuminated Tale of Exile from Syon Abbey, Lisbon
Petitioning for Patronage: An Illuminated Tale of Exile from Syon Abbey, Lisbon book
ABSTRACT
A small illuminated manuscript, now in the library of the Duke of Norfolk at Arundel Castle, is a rare representation of an English convent's narrative of exile, told in the community's own terms. The Arundel manuscript has become well known since the important 1991 publication by Christopher de Hamel and John Martin Robinson of a transcription and translation, accompanied by colour photographs of the illuminations and an historical introduction. Since then, a number of scholars have explored the political and rhetorical significance of the texts, such as their emphasis on the convent's Lancastrian heritage and skilful use of Marian imagery. This chapter discusses the manuscript closely from an art historical perspective, focusing on the illuminations rather than the text. Study of the illuminations also reveals many subtle clues to the identity of the artist, who was likely one of the nuns of the community.