Hesburgh Libraries

William, a Franciscan friar in Sluis (Flanders) completed the copying of a large manuscript in 1475. The book compiles several different texts related to medieval Biblical scholarship, particularly the Old Testament. Another Franciscan friar, Bernardine, from Gouda, adds a note claiming credit for the book’s illustrations. Br. Bernardine illuminated the manuscript with canon tables, a genealogy of Christ, and several Old Testament diagrams, including the Tabernacle, Ten Commandments, and Temple of Solomon.

This remarkable manuscript shows the collaboration between a Franciscan scribe and a Franciscan illuminator from different religious houses in the southern Netherlands during the 15th century to produce a magnificent volume.

This exhibit is curated by David T. Gura, Curator of Ancient and Medieval Manuscripts. The McBrien Special Collections Endowment generously supports this and other exhibits within the Hesburgh Libraries.

All exhibits are free and open to the public during business hours.