The Pontifical of Renaud de Bar
Blessing of an Abbess of Canonesses
Texts and Images
A single miniature, showing an abbess kneeling before a bishop, marks the beginning of this short section. The crosier entrusted to the abbess is rendered in silver, rather than gold, which was used for the abbot’s crosier and the bishop’s own pastoral staff.
Abbess-elect being presented to the bishop (Blessing of an Abbess of Canonesses)
The crosier entrusted to the abbess is rendered in silver, although gold is used for abbots’ and bishops’ crosiers throughout the manuscript. Silver, the less precious metal, was probably used to signal the abbess’ gender and lower status. The partial bar border and ornamental initial B are decorated with foliate motifs.