The Dream Of The Magi, And The Presentation In The Temple, In A Psalter Preceded By Miniatures And A Calendar

Oxford University came into being gradually, around the year 1200, and a community of book-makers were soon established in the town, centred around the Catte Street and St. Mary's Church. Documentary records suggest that these book-makers not only provided students with the necessary textbooks, but also specialised in meeting the needs of the luxury market: a disproportionately large number of illuminators are recorded. This psalter is probably one of their products: the calendar and litany include three entries for St. Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. The Three Wise Men (magi) are shown as young, middle aged, and elderly, as was customary. The middle one has just heard the angel, and has opened one eye. The Star of Bethlehem, present in previous scenes, is still visible in the sky.