Stephen of Burgundy from BL YT 32, f. 2

Miniature of Stephen, the second legendary king of Burgundy, setting out on a pilgrimage to Victor of Marseilles, with Andrew's cross carried before him. In the background on the left, Trophimus, the first king of Burgundy, is baptised by Maximus with his wife, as Mary Magdalene watches. In the background on the right, Mary Magdalene intercedes for the king and queen who are depicted as rising from their graves. With a scatter border of flowers, acanthus, and a peacock. Image taken from f. 2 of Chroniques abrégées des Anciens Rois et Ducs de Bourgogne. Written in French.

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.