Miniature showing medieval spectacles being worn (from British Library Harley 2971, f. 109v)

Miniature showing medieval spectacles being worn (from British Library Harley 2971, f. 109v)

Spectacles

This picture comes from the manuscripts of the British Library. It is a miniature portraying singing monks at the beginning of the “Office of the Dead.” The celebrant in the miniature, wearing the black robe, is wearing spectacles very similar to the ones found at the Museum of London. It is of French origin and dates back to c. 1450-1460. He, like many during this time, are using the spectacles to read the song being sung by the monks.

St Stephen Master

“Book of Hours”. Salisbury Breviary St Stephen Master. Paris, France. 1450.

c. 1450

Victoria Von Ancken

Latin and some French

Still image

Spectacles

210 x 150 (105 x 65)