James the Less and Luke from BL YT 28, f. 66v

Miniature of the martyrdom of James the Less; miniature of Luke standing with a book and his symbol, the ox. Image taken from f. 66v of Secreta secretorum (ff. 1-43); Il Tesoro (translation of Li Livres dou Tresor) (ff. 43v-130); miscellaneous texts (ff. 130v-143v). Written in Italian.

In artistic depictions, St. Luke is often shown holding an ox or with an ox nearby, as a symbol of his association with the Gospel of Luke and his devotion to Jesus and the Holy Family. The image of St. Luke with an ox is a reminder of the importance of sacrifice, devotion, and compassion in the Christian life.

Henry Yates Thompson (1838-1928) was a British collector and philanthropist who assembled this remarkable collection over his lifetime. The collection is now housed at the British Library in London.

Henry Yates Thompson was born into a wealthy family in 1838. Thompson began collecting manuscripts and other items in the 1870s. His collection quickly gained recognition for its exceptional quality and breadth. He had a keen eye for illuminated manuscripts, which are manuscripts decorated with intricate illustrations and calligraphy. The collection has a particular emphasis on medieval manuscripts.

pseudo aristotle brunetto latini translated by bono giamboni and others james luke bl yt manuscripts medieval medieval miniatures italian manuscripts il tesoro li livres dou tresor aristotle philosophy greek british library

1425

British Library

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Public Domain