Marginal Drawing Of A Woman, In Roger of Salisbury's 'Polycraticus'

John of Salisbury (c.1115-1180) was a distinguished philosopher and historian. He spent several years at the papal court, becoming acquainted with popes, princes, and kings, including Henry II and Thomas Becket, whose murder he witnessed in 1170. He wrote the 'Polycraticus', which deals with philosophy and learning, in 1159, and dedicated it to Becket. This copy belonged to the cell of Rochester Cathedral at Walton, just outside Felixstowe. The head of this alluring woman occurs next to a passage of text referring to an 'elegant and attractive form'.