The Egerton Genesis

Book excerpt: The Egerton Genesis is a pictorial narrative of the biblical Genesis, supplemented by legendary material. It was commissioned in the 14th century for the entertainment of a middle-class patron who relished the drama of the creation story, and who has had a keen eye for human and social defects and an earthy sense of humour. The artist points out the social conditions of his time, for example sympathizing with the tithe payer, the powerless woman and the ordinary shepherd. Questions of date, purpose and patronage have surrounded this book, and this study provides insights into modern understanding of this text.