Metten Rule

Metten, 1414
Parchment, illuminated by Bohemian illuminators in Metten
The Metten rule was created in the time of Abbot Petrus I, thus documenting his monastic reform. Bohemian illuminators were commissioned. They were looking for new endeavours in the neighbouring countries due to the increasingly difficult situation in Prague dominated by Hussites.
Fol. 1v: The upper part of the image depicts the foundations of the Benedictine order: Saint Benedict pointing to the Benedictine rule, Pope Gregory writing the vita of Saint Benedict, Petrus Diaconus kneeling in front of him; in the background four abbots are represented as warrantors. In the lower part, the Metten convent, for which the book was intended. Abbot Petrus I (with a letter band) is kneeling in the midst of his monks, who are all named by inscription.