Virgin and Child from BL Arundel 83, f. 131v

Miniature of the Virgin and Child, from the De Lisle Psalter (Arundel 83 II). The Virgin, her feet resting on a dragon and a lion, is holding the Child. They are seated in an elaborate Gothic arched canopy, with niches containing two angels carrying candels, and the figures of Catherine of Alexandria and Margaret of Antioch. Image taken from f. 131v of Psalter and Book of Hours (the 'Howard Psalter and Hours') (Arundel 83 I) (ends imperfectly); including a calendar of uncertain East Anglian destination (ff. 6-11v), a liturgical Psalter with canticles, litany, and Office of the Dead (ff. 14-113v), and an incomplete Hours of the Passion (ff. 113v-116v). Written in Latin.

St. Catherine of Alexandria was a 4th-century Christian martyr and saint. According to tradition, she was a learned and beautiful woman who converted to Christianity and became a noted defender of the faith. She was imprisoned and subjected to various tortures, including being broken on a wheel, but survived. She is said to have converted the emperor Maxentius to Christianity before her ultimate execution. St. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, students, and preachers and is venerated by the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Coptic Churches.

The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel (1585-1646). Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel, who was a prominent figure during the early 17th century in England. Thomas Howard enjoyed a close relationship with King Charles I, and this connection allowed him to expand his collection. The king was granting him privileges to purchase manuscripts and books, and the collection grew in size and importance.

The English Civil War and the execution of King Charles I had a significant impact on Thomas Howard's life. During the war and the Commonwealth period, his collection faced threats of dispersion and destruction. Howard managed to protect many of his books and manuscripts by sending them abroad for safekeeping. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the collection was returned to the Howard family.