Missal of Robert of Jumièges. England, early 11th century.
Rouen Municipal Library, Ms Y 6, fol. 32v (Nativity of Jesus).
This manuscript was produced in Winchester, known for its ivory and parchment painting school. Given to Jumièges Abbey by Robert of Jumièges, then bishop of London, it is undoubtedly one of the abbey library’s greatest treasures. With thirteen full-page illustrations, it bears witness to the Anglo-Norman relationship and the influence of English skills on the French monastic revival. Norman illustrators used these manuscripts as a model to perfect their art, and many imitations are to be found in other works. This manuscript also highlights the role of Robert of Jumièges, prior at the Abbey of Saint-Ouen and later abbot of Jumièges, who became bishop of London when he returned to England with Edward the Confessor.