'We have nothing more interesting in this genre than the portrait of Aldhelm; Bishop of Sherborn; which is found at the top of a famous poem he composed In praise of virginity. The portrait was made at the start of the 8th century: the author is in pontifical robes; giving a benediction with his right hand; and holding a book in his left that represents his work. His white tunic and the sleeves of his [purple] robe are decorated with embroidered borders.' Handcolored copperplate engraving from Robert von Spalart's 鈥楬istorical Picture of the Costumes of the Principal People of Antiquity and of the Middle Ages' (1796).