Historical Religious Manuscripts

Intricate medieval manuscript pages featuring men and women in prayer, decorative initials, and scenes depicting biblical themes, rich in color and detail.

Noah sends off Dove / Illumination

Jeremiah before Jerusalem in Flames. Master of Jean de Mandeville (French, active 1350 - 1370)

Alfonso X, called 'The Wise' (1221-1284). Cantigas de Santa Maria (Virgin Mary Songs). 13th c. The King Alfonso X surrounded by musicians and scribes. Gothic art. Miniature Painting. SPAIN. MADRID (AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY). San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Royal Library of the Monastery of El Escorial.

Initial A: Saint John Sleeping and an Angel with a Trumpet. Unknown

Initial S: Saint Gregory; Initial O: Saint Benedict. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

The Triumph of Eternity is represented by a cart drawn by the Four Evangelists with their symbols; on the cart is a Gnadenstuhl representation of the Trinity. Majorana, Cristoforo (Italian illuminator, active ca. 1480-1494). 1490 - 1510. Petrarca, Francesco, 1304-1374. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division. Jesus Christ , Crucifixion, Trinity, Evangelists (Bible)

Miniature of the Circumcision. Border design, rubrics, placemarkers.. 1401 - 1500. text. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division. Jesus Christ , Circumcision

Joseph Cast into the Well. Date/Period: Ca. 1360 - 1370. Folio. Tempera colors, gold, and ink on parchment. Height: 349 mm (13.74 in); Width: 260 mm (10.23 in). Author: Master of Jean de Mandeville.

The Raising of Lazarus.

Initial A: Doubting Thomas. Unknown

Initial G: Souls in Purgatory. Workshop of Gerard Horenbout (Flemish, 1465 - 1541)

The Baptism of Christ; The Marriage at Cana; Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany; about 1400 - 1410; Tempera colors, gold, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 33.5 x 23.5 cm (13 3,16 x 9 1,4 in.)

Bible of Saint Louis. Nativity. Natividad. Toledo, Cathedral's library. Location: CATEDRAL-BIBLIOTECA. Toledo. SPAIN.

Opening of main text. Initial with illumination (Virgin and Child), full border with angel figures. Rubrics, small initials, placemarkers.. 1490. text. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division

The Death of Teulucus's Son; Teulucus Ordering the Messenger to be Killed.

Initial T: The Crucifixion. Date/Period: Ca. 1520. Folio. Tempera and gold on parchment. Height: 336 mm (13.22 in); Width: 234 mm (9.21 in). Author: Matteo da Milano.

The Personification of Abstinence Leading the Personification of False Pretence before the God of Love. Unknown

Codex 135. Missale Dominicale cum Kalendario. 14th century. Miniature in the capital letter depicting the Virgin Mary with infant Jesus. Folio 148v. Chapter Archive of Tarazona. Spain.

Initial D: Herod Ordering the Massacre of the Innocents; Initial V: Clerics Singing. Unknown

The Dream of Nebuchadnezzar; The Dream Interpreters before Nebuchadnezzar.

The Cleansing of the Temple. Unknown

The Annunciation in De Virginitate Beatae Mariaede San Ildefonso. Date/Period: 1180/1220. Width: 13 cm. Height: 18.5 cm (Complete). Author: UNKNOWN.

Leaf from a Beatus Manuscript: the First Angel Sounds the Trumpet; Fire, Hail-stones, and Blood are Cast Upon the Earth ca. 1180 Spanish Illustrated Beatus manuscripts bring to life an extraordinary vision of the end of the world, as recorded by Saint John in the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation) and filtered through the lens of Beatus of Liébana, an eighth-century Asturian monk. These manuscripts are unique to medieval Spain and a testament to the pervasive artistry and intellectual milieu of monastic culture there. The leaf shown here comes from a manuscript disassembled in the 1870s.In this illustration, the trumpeting angel heralds the cataclysm described in Apoc. 8.7: "And the first angel sounded the trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mingled with blood, and it was cast on the earth, and the third part of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all the green grass was burnt up.". Leaf from a Beatus Manuscript: the First Angel Sounds the Trum

Moses's Last Prophecies.

Miniature showing 1. Athaliah, crowned, extends her hands to 2 youths being slain; 2. coronation of Jehoash by two bishops; 3. three citizens observe over a wall; 4. the body of Athaliah is dragged from castle gate by her hair. Initial, border design.. 1450. Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375). text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (illuminations). Spencer Collection. Women

Initial P: The Annunciation. Workshop of Valentine Noh (Bohemian, active 1470s)

Priests celebrating a mass, f. 272., 1460 ., Germany (Swabia)

The Prophet Amos. Unknown

SEMBLANZA DE REYES - 1095 - REYES LIUBA I (LIUVA I ) LEOVIGILDO - SG7415. Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL-COLECCION. MADRID. SPAIN. LEOVIGILDO REY. LIUBA XV. LIUBA I. LIUVA I. LIUVA XV. LAYBA REY.

Bifolium from a Gradual: Nativity in an Initial“P”. Artist: Master of the Libro dei Notai (Domenico Pagliarolo?), Italian, Bolognese

Decorated Initial D. Unknown

Psalter with weekday holiday day Hymns according to the Roman Curia tradition, by Anonymous Sienese painter, 15th Century, illuminated manuscript. Italy, Tuscany, Siena, Osservanza basilica. Whole artwork. David- illuminated page verses psalms prayer incipit: beginning initial letter square old man beard king David halo: aureole book plant volutes rinceaux blue yellow green red black white.

Initial H: Saint Stephen. Circle of the Master of the Golden Bull (Bohemian, active about 1400 - 1405)

Initial D: The Virgin and Child; or Bourges, France; about 1390; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 22.4 x 16.8 cm (8 13,16 x 6 5,8 in.)

Teulucus's Castle Besieged; An Angel Appearing to Isaiah.

Leaf from a Beatus Manuscript: Christ in Majesty with Angels and the Angel of God Directs Saint John to Write the Book of Revelation ca. 1180 Spanish Illustrated Beatus manuscripts bring to life an extraordinary vision of the end of the world, as recorded by Saint John in the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation) and filtered through the lens of Beatus of Liébana, an eighth-century Asturian monk. These manuscripts are unique to medieval Spain and a testament to the pervasive artistry and intellectual milieu of monastic culture there. The leaf shown here comes from a manuscript disassembled in the 1870s.In the lower register, the angel of God directs Saint John to write the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation): The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass: and signified by sending his angel to his servant John.” (Apocalypse 1:1). Leaf from a Beatus Manuscript: Christ in Majesty with Angels and the Angel of God Di

Decorated Initial B. Unknown

Christ and his Apostles before the People.

Abraham and Melchizedek. Master of Jean de Mandeville (French, active 1350 - 1370)

The Trinity; Master of Jean de Mandeville (French, active 1350 - 1370); Paris, France; about 1360 - 1370; Tempera colors, gold, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 34.9 x 26 cm (13 3,4 x 10 1,4 in.)

CODEX AUREUS-ULTIMA CENA-MINIATURA CAROLINGIA S XI-. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Jesus Among the Doctors; Unknown, Brother Philipp; Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany; about 1400-1410; Tempera colors, gold, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 33.5 × 23.5 cm (13 3,16 × 9 1,4 in.)

Saint Christopher Carrying the Christ Child. Date/Period: Early 1460s. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment. Height: 256 mm (10.07 in); Width: 173 mm (6.81 in). Author: Willem Vrelant.

The Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace. Unknown

Manuscript Leaf with the Holy Communion, from a Book of Hours ca. 1500 South Netherlandish The rubric at the top tells us that the prayers that follow are to be said before and after Communion. Therefore, the artist portrayed a priest administering the sacrament to a man in a fur-trimmed cloak, presumably the owner of the manuscript. The man, whose family arms appear on the adjacent leaf, appears again in the margin, following the priest, choir, and acolytes in procession, probably representing the feast of Corpus Christi.. Manuscript Leaf with the Holy Communion, from a Book of Hours 467521

The Ascension of Elijah; Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany; about 1400 - 1410; Tempera colors, gold, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 33.5 x 23.5 cm (13 3,16 x 9 1,4 in.)

The Annunciation to Joachim; The Annunciation to Anna.

Satan Asks God to Give up his Protection of Job; Job's Cattle Die; The Shepherds before Job.

Gradual from Palm Sunday to the XXIV Sunday after Pentecost, by Anonymous Sienese painter, 15th Century, illuminated manuscript. Italy, Tuscany, Siena, Osservanza Basilica. Whole artwork. Respice. Illuminated page score notes text verses prayer chant incipit: beginning initial letter decoration blue red yellow.

Nimbed Saint in a Historiated Initial I from an Antiphonary 1310-1315 Italy. Manuscript cutting in tempera and gold leaf, with gothica textualis inscriptions in Latin in black ink, ruled in red ink, and with other decorations, on parchment . Neri da Rimini

Decorated Initial H. Unknown

Tristan in Torn Clothing Meeting Shepherds in the Woods of Morois. Unknown

The Transfiguration; Jesus before the Syro-Phoenician Woman; Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany; about 1400 - 1410; Tempera colors, gold, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 33.5 x 23.5 cm (13 3,16 x 9 1,4 in.)

Initial V: Preacher Adressing a Crowd. Unknown

LIBRO DE CORO-S XV-PAGINA MINIADA E ILUMINADA-LETRA U CON LAS TRES MARIAS CAMINO DE LA TUMBA. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA. GUADALUPE. CACERES. SPAIN.

Codex 144. Biblia Novum Testamentum, Evangelia Santi Mathei et Santi Marci. Miniature of capital letter depicting Saint Mark with the gospel. 13th-14th centuries. Folio 119v. Chapter Archive of Tarazona. Spain.

February Calendar Page; Presentation in the Temple. Unknown

Rain Extinguishing the Flames at the Stake to Which King Kroesus is Bound. Unknown

Mary Magdalene anoints Jesus / Illumin.

Balaam Blessing the People of Israel.

Day and night Antiphonary from Holy Saturday to the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, by Anonymous Sienese painter, 15th Century, illuminated manuscript. Italy, Tuscany, Siena, Osservanza Basilica. Whole artwork. St John the Baptist illuminated page score notes music chant plant volutes square incipit: beginning initial letter St John the Baptist clothes: dress skins halo: aureole angel landscape trees way prayer blue red ye.

A Man Enthroned within a Mandorla in a Tree. Unknown

The Entry into Jerusalem.

Moses Separating Two Fighting Israelites. Unknown

LIBRO DE CORO-S XV-PAGINA MINIADA CON ESCENA DE LA PIEDAD. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA. GUADALUPE. CACERES. SPAIN. JESUS. VIRGIN MARY.

German 15th Century, Christ Crowned with Thorns, 1477 Christ Crowned with Thorns

Initial H: Saint Martin Dividing His Cloak. Unknown

The Annunciation of the Virgin's Death; Ghent, Belgium; about 1475; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 43.8 x 30.5 cm (17 1,4 x 12 in.)

Abraham and the Three Angels; The Sodomites Beating on Lot's House.

Book of Jeremiah / Illumination / c.1230

The First Temptation of Christ; Ghent, Belgium; about 1475; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 43.8 x 30.5 cm (17 1,4 x 12 in.)

MS B.R.20- CANTIGA DE SANTA MARIA - Nº201 - F3R - LA VIRGEN SALVA A UNA DONCELLA QUE HABIA PROMETIDO SER VIRGEN - SIGLO XIII. Author: Alfonso X of Castile. Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL COLECCIÓN. Florenz. ITALIA.

The Ascension. Unknown

Day and night Antiphonary from the 6th Sunday after Pentecost to the Advent, by Anonymous Sienese painter, 15th Century, illuminated manuscript. Italy, Tuscany, Siena, Osservanza Basilica. Whole artwork. St Francis receiving the stigmata illuminated page score notes music chant plant shoots panel double register St Francis man monk habit: tunic saint miracle halo: aureole tonsure prayer vision crucifix Jesus flames.

This pre-1441 colored copper engraving by the Master of the Playing Cards depicts Christ on the cross, showing detailed anatomy, drapery, and religious iconography.

Follower of Master of the Golden Bull, Isaac Blessing Jacob, 1400 1405 Isaac Blessing Jacob

Temptation of Christ / Illumination

MTI1 - CANTIGA DE SANTA MARIA Nº 66 - F98R - VIRGEN HACE A UN OBISPO DECIR MISA EN AUVERGNE Y LE DA LA VESTIMENTA - SIGLO XIII. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN. APOSTLE PETER. VIRGIN MARY. SAN JUAN EVANGELISTA Y APOSTOL. SAN BONO.

A Knight Presenting a Magic Ivory Horn to King Mark. Unknown

The Arrival of Saint John on Patmos. Unknown

The Punishment of the Children who Mocked Elisha in Bethel; The Widow before Elisha.

MANUSCRITO - VIRGEN Y SAN JOSE PIDIENDO POSADA - VIT 25-5 F 68. Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL-COLECCION. MADRID. SPAIN. VIRGIN MARY. SAN JOSE ESPOSO DE LA VIRGEN MARIA.

The Vision of Esdras. Unknown

Psalter with night and day holiday Hymns according to the Roman Curia tradition, by Anonymous Sienese painter, 15th Century, illuminated manuscript. Italy, Tuscany, Siena, Osservanza basilica. Detail. Illuminated page with Christ the Judge verses psalms prayer incipit: beginning initial letter square man Christ blessing halo: aureole book Holy Scriptures plant volutes rinceaux blue yellow green red black whit.

Initial U: Saint Andrew. Unknown

Initial S: The Virgin and Three Dominican Nuns in Prayer; Jacobellus of Salerno (Italian, active about 1270); Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy; about 1270; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 46.4 × 32.1 cm (18 1,4 × 12 5,8 in.)

Large historiated initial showing the Trinity, on gold field, with three-side border including miniature showing two people before Adrianus, birds, insects, human figures, and flowers.. 1475 - 1500. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division

Armenian Christian illustrated manuscript showing the entombment of Christ

The Feast of Darius in Honor of Alexander the Great. Unknown

Paus Johannes XXII, anonymous, 1530 print Low Countries paper pope. (scenes from) specific works of literature (with AUTHOR, Title)

The Virgin and Child in a White Rose; Norfolk perhaps (written), East Anglia, England; illumination about 1190; written about 1490; Tempera colors and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 11.9 x 17 cm (4 11,16 x 6 11,16 in.)

Christ Praying in the Desert; Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany; about 1400 - 1410; Tempera colors, gold, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 33.5 x 23.5 cm (13 3,16 x 9 1,4 in.)

An Angel Appearing to Gideon; Gideon's Sacrifice.

Day and night Antiphonary of the Common of Saints, by Anonymous Sienese painter, 15th Century, illuminated manuscript. Italy, Tuscany, Siena, Osservanza Basilica. Detail. St Ansanus. Page score notes music chant panel incipit: beginning initial letter St Ansanus halo: aureole patron scale model city Siena martyr standard: banner: flag dress: robe: garment plant shoots blue red yellow.

Anthropomorphic (angel) and zoomorphic (snake) initial. 1590 - 1625. text. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division. Snakes

Initial B: The Trinity. Jacobellus of Salerno (Italian, active about 1270)

Exorcing possessed Leudile, miniature from the Life of Saint Radegunda, illumination from Poitiers, Abbey of Saint Croix, manuscript folio 43 recto, France 11th Century.

BEATO DE SAN SALVADOR DE TABARA, EL TEMPLO ABIERTO Y LA BESTIA QUE SURGE DEL ABISMO, 975- COMENTARIOS AL APOCALIPSIS-MOZARABE. Author: BEATO DE LIEBANA. Location: CATEDRAL-ARCHIVO CAPITULAR. GERONA. SPAIN.

and miniature of St. John the Evangelist, both with elaborate framing including human figures. Opening of text. 1-line gold and blue initials.. 1550. text. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division. John, the Apostle, Saint

Leaf from a Beatus Manuscript: at the Clarion of the Fifth Angel's Trumpet, a Star Falls from the Sky; the Bottomless Pit is Opened with a Key; Emerging from the Smoke, Locusts Come Upon the Earth and Torment the Deathless ca. 1180 Spanish Illustrated Beatus manuscripts bring to life an extraordinary vision of the end of the world, as recorded by Saint John in the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation) and filtered through the lens of Beatus of Liébana, an eighth-century Asturian monk. These manuscripts are unique to medieval Spain and a testament to the pervasive artistry and intellectual milieu of monastic culture there. The leaf shown here comes from a manuscript disassembled in the 1870s.The catastrophic events heralded by the fifth angel's trumpet are depicted in this illustration as terrifying and otherworldly: the smoke from the pit darkens the sun, menacing striped locusts sting their victims with scorpion-like tails, and the figures of the undead plead for mercy with closed eyes.. Le

Miniature of St. Helena and True Cross, initial, placemarkers.. 1480. text. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division. Crosses, Helena, Saint, ca. 255-ca. 330

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