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Secondary sourcePainting

Thomas Becket and the Virgin Mary

An illuminated initial from a medieval lectionary showing Thomas Becket with the Virgin Mary, part of his later devotional imagery.

This devotional miniature pictures Becket alongside the Virgin Mary, showing his veneration as a saint.

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Illuminated initial S in a medieval manuscript. Inside the decorated letter, a haloed Virgin Mary in blue robe leans over a bishop in red vestments with a mitre, who raises one hand. Red and green borders and gold-dotted bands frame the scene, with Latin text along the page edge.
Unknown artist, Thomas Becket and the Virgin Mary, medieval lectionary miniature.

About this source

What it is

This is a miniature decorating the letter 'S' in a medieval lectionary (a book of readings used in church services). It shows a haloed Virgin Mary leaning over a bishop in red vestments, understood to represent Thomas Becket. The maker is unrecorded.

Why it matters

This image reflects how Becket, after his death, became a major figure of Christian devotion, sometimes pictured alongside the Virgin Mary herself. Such images show how saints' cults blended real historical figures with religious imagery meant to inspire faith, long after the events of their lives.

Look closer

  • What does the pairing with the Virgin Mary suggest about how Becket was viewed by the Church?
  • What details in the clothing and colours tell you this is a bishop?
  • Why do you think this scene was chosen to decorate a letter in a lectionary?

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Canterbury Cathedral

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Secondary source

Becket Casket

c. 1180-1190

A large semicircular textile, likely a chasuble, displayed flat in a curved glass case mounted on a white wall. Its faded beige fabric has repeating circular medallions containing small figures and patterns, with a vertical band down the center. Lights run along the top of the case.Artifact

Secondary source

Fermo Chasuble of St. Thomas Becket

12th century

Display case in a museum showing a pale cream silk liturgical robe with gold-embroidered borders on a mannequin, a pair of cream shoes, two long red-edged gold-patterned embroidered bands (stoles or orphreys), and a dark purple garment with gold trim at right.Artifact

Secondary source

Becket Liturgical Garments, Sens Cathedral

12th century

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