Tree Of Jesse, In 'The Grandisson Psalter'

This Psalter is named after one of its owners, John Grandisson, who was bishop of Exeter from 1327 until his death in 1369. It was adapted for his use, having originally been made for someone who perhaps lived in the area of Chichester. A Jesse Tree is a sort of medieval family tree, tracing the ancestry of Christ back through his mother, the Virgin Mary, to King David, and his father Jesse, who lies asleep at the base of the tree. Surrounding David are five musicians, and in the corners of the tree are seated figures reading, perhaps prophets, and at the corners of the outer frame are the Four Evangelists.