MINIATURIST, English
(active 14th century at St Albans)

Acts of the Abbots

14th century
Manuscript (MS Cotton Claudius E IV)
British Library, London

The miniature on folio 124 shows Simon, Abbot of St Albans, with his bookchest. He is unflatteringly depicted here as an administrator. Portrayal of his face, half-hidden behind his upturned black coat collar, may indicate his notoriety due to the debts he left the monastery and his accounting practices which directed funds to his relatives. He appears to wear gloves patterned with red embroidery.

Abbot Simon was the founder of the abbey library.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.