ArtsNational lecture with Sophie Oosterwijk

Next date: Saturday, 30 August 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Art in miniature: illuminated manuscripts in the Middle Ages. (1 hr lecture given by Sophie Oosterwijk followed by morning tea)
A familiar image in medieval Annunciation scenes is that of the Virgin Mary reading a book, but what exactly is she supposed to be reading? A devotional book probably, and perhaps one with beautiful decorations: intricate initials, miniatures glittering with gold, and witty marginalia. The illuminators of such manuscripts have themselves often remained anonymous, yet their artistry was greatly prized by wealthy patrons such as the Duke of Berry.

This talk offers an introduction to medieval manuscript illumination: an art so rich and so highly regarded that it long managed to survive the advent of book printing.

Sophie Oosterwijk was born in Gouda (Netherlands). Sophie has an MA in Medieval Studies (York) and a PhD in Art History (Leicester), as well as an MA and PhD in English Literature (Leiden). Sophie has taught at the universities of St Andrews, Leicester and Manchester, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, National Trust, V&A, U3A, WEA and other organisations, and organised many study days, tours and visits. She is also a regular lecturer for Cambridge University and travel companies, and Vice President of the Church Monuments Society, and has numerous publications to her name.