I.—On an Illuminated and Emblazoned Copy of the Statutes from Edward III. to Henry VI., illustrating the Genealogy of the Family of Fitzwilliam of Mablethorpe, co. Lincoln

Abstract

The volume I exhibit to-night is a folio copy on vellum of the Statutes 1st Edward III. to 23rd Henry VI., the text written in single column of thirty-eight lines and preceded by an elaborate index covering fifty-two folios. The legislation of each regnal year opens with a large initial letter painted in ultramarine upon a floriated vermilion background of penwork, which extends, in the form of flourishes, far into the margin of the page. The initial letter of the king's name in the first Act of each reign is of still larger dimensions, usually from 2½ to 3 inches square. It is, in each instance, elaborately illuminated in gold and colours, and encloses a shield of arms relieved upon a background of lake covered with delicate scrollwork in white body-colour. From the initial letter proceeds illuminated foliage completely enclosing three sides of the text.