An
exquisite illuminated play text from the fifteenth century has been acquired
for the nation and allocated to the British Library by HM Government in lieu of
Inheritance Tax under the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) Scheme which is administered
by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and
Sport. The acquisition was supported by generous grants from the Art Fund, the
Friends of the British Library, International Partners in memory of Melvin R.
Seiden and from the Breslauer Bequest, as well as donations from other
anonymous donors.
The manuscript was commissioned in around 1465 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy (1396-1467), who was one of the greatest book collectors and art patrons of his time. It contains the only surviving complete text for the play, the ‘Mystère de la Vengeance’, by Eustache Marcadé. The play, written in French, was intended for performance over four days and was a development of the traditional Christian ‘Mystery’ play. Duke Philip may have attended one of the performances in Burgundy in 1463 and this manuscript might be a luxurious and extravagant record of that event. The manuscript which is in exceptionally fine condition contains 20 superb large miniatures by Loyset Liédet.
———————————The manuscript was commissioned in around 1465 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy (1396-1467), who was one of the greatest book collectors and art patrons of his time. It contains the only surviving complete text for the play, the ‘Mystère de la Vengeance’, by Eustache Marcadé. The play, written in French, was intended for performance over four days and was a development of the traditional Christian ‘Mystery’ play. Duke Philip may have attended one of the performances in Burgundy in 1463 and this manuscript might be a luxurious and extravagant record of that event. The manuscript which is in exceptionally fine condition contains 20 superb large miniatures by Loyset Liédet.
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