How can we use a 14th century English Psalter to understand medieval and modern ideas of identity and community? The Luttrell Psalter’s main and marginal illuminations depict a wide and encompassing range of medieval life and experiences, but how does this Psalter contribute towards instigating an interpretive community of its own? Examining the connections drawn between the illuminations and text of this prayer book, along with those who made and used this book of psalms, can add important context. This research will bring about further insight into how art can be a vital influence on both one’s local culture and larger community.

Examining the complex and contrary illuminations of this medieval book will allow me to develop and find connections between artistic depictions of topics ranging from masculinity, identity, social roles and norms, and class. Methodology that is both traditional and newly innovated in the field of art history will be used, and this research will be composed through evaluating historical texts and illustrations along with modern day analysis. In addition to art historical methodologies, those from relevant interdisciplinary fields such as gender studies, book history, and socio-political backgrounds will be applied in the research process.

The illuminations of this manuscript are found to be a source of associations and values that may have served as a means of brand identity for the patron, Sir Geoffrey Luttrell, in his ideal world. It is clear that through the assessment and research of this manuscript in the context of the medieval period and through the lens of modern day values and ethical concerns, the Luttrell Psalter has much to provide to the understanding of the contributions brought by illuminated manuscripts as religious texts and means to imbue readers with societal values.