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The framing of the miniatures of the benedictional of St. Aethelwold : meaning and function

University of British Columbia

The frames surrounding the miniatures of the tenth-century manuscript, "The Benedictional of St. Aethelwold" (British Museum, Add. MS. 49598) are so sumptuous and striking that they almost seem to overwhelm the enclosed scenes. Closer study, however, makes it apparent that the artists used the framing as a device to emphasize the liturgical and royal significance of the scenes, and that a hierarchical plan was envisioned - the more important the feast was to the patron, Bishop Aethelwold of Winchester, the more embellished was the frame. Because very little has been written about framing in general and since no authority has yet examined the significance of the framing of the miniatures in the Benedictional, this thesis examines the interrelationship between the frames and the scenes. Based on the traditional monograph, this study begins with a Preface followed by seven chapters - Description of the manuscript, traditions of framing in manuscripts prior to the Benedictional, components and sources of the Benedictional's frames, colour, overlapping of frame and image, interaction between frame and scene, and conclusion. Each chapter reaches its own conclusion and contains elements which are important as background to the final thesis - that the frames were not merely decorative additions but played a decisive role in enhancing the iconography of the miniatures. The concluding chapter of the thesis, sums up the previous evidence and shows how the hierarchical role played by the frames of the miniatures emphasizes the liturgical and royal content of the scenes. The study suggests that the artists attempted, in a highly conscious way, to underline the political and theological aspects of the monastic reforms initiated by St. Aethelwold, which were a major factor in the revival of the arts in tenth century England, and the formation of the 'Winchester School'.

Text

2010-03-17

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/22013

Fine Arts

University of British Columbia

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