Medieval Manuscript Illustrations

Colorful and detailed pages from ancient manuscripts, featuring decorated initials and intricate border designs, showcasing medieval artistry and text decoration.

Decorated Initial P; Paris, France; about 1415 - 1420; Tempera colors, gold paint, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 20.5 x 14.8 cm (8 1,16 x 5 13,16 in.)

The New Song. Unknown

Inhabited Initial D; Thérouanne , France (formerly Flanders); fourth quarter of 13th century (after 1277); Tempera colors, pen and ink, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 23.3 x 16.4 cm (9 3,16 x 6 7,16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 135v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 239r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

Decorated Initial V. Date/Period: Fourth quarter of 13th century (after 1277). Folio. Tempera colors, pen and ink, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment. Height: 233 mm (9.17 in); Width: 164 mm (6.45 in). Author: UNKNOWN.

Saint Germain. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Decorated Initial P; Paris, France; about 1415 - 1420; Tempera colors, gold paint, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 20.5 x 14.8 cm (8 1,16 x 5 13,16 in.)

MISAL GRANDE DE S CUGAT-FOL 14-EPIFANIA. Location: ARCHIVO DE LA CORONA DE ARAGON. Barcelona. SPAIN.

Initial O: Saint James the Greater. Master of the Dresden Prayer Book or workshop (Flemish, active about 1480 - 1515)

The Coronation of the Virgin; Master of the Harvard Hannibal (French, active Paris, France, 1415 - about 1430); Paris, France; about 1420 - 1430; Tempera, gold paint, gold leaf, and silver paint on parchment; Leaf: 17.9 x 13 cm (7 1,16 x 5 1,8 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 263r, St. Peter, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible fo

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 195r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

Decorated Initial D. Unknown

Initial L: Two Men before a King.

Initial A: Arrival of Ships in Constantinople; Master of the Brussels Romuléon or workshop (Flemish, active about 1465); Brussels (probaby), Belgium; about 1465 - 1470; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 24.8 x 17.6 cm (9 3,4 x 6 15,16 in.)

Initial T: Bust Portrait of a Man Reading. Cristoforo Cortese (Italian, active Venice, Italy 1390 - 1445)

Decorated Initial D. Unknown

All Saints. 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: Workshop of Willem Vrelant.

The Wounding of Pyrrhus. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 22v, Prayer to the Virgin, Large Initial O with Elaborate Border, c. 1470. Master of the Geneva Latini (French, active Rouen, 1460-80). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 19.5 x 13.1 cm (7 11/16 x 5 3/16 in.).

Miniature from a manuscript of the Roman de la Rose by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun by Master of the Rose novels (active Second Half of 14th cen.)/ Bibliotheque de Geneve/ 1353/ Flanders/ Watercolour on parchment/ Medieval art/ 29x21/ Mythology,

Initial O: The Pietà. Master of the Lee Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1470)

Decorated Initial S; Workshop of Valentine Noh (Bohemian, active 1470s); Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic; about 1470 - 1480; Tempera, shell gold, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 14.1 x 10.2 cm (5 9,16 x 4 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 186r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

A Salamander; Thérouanne , France (formerly Flanders); fourth quarter of 13th century (after 1277); Tempera colors, pen and ink, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 23.3 x 16.4 cm (9 3,16 x 6 7,16 in.)

A Scribe and a 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.)

Decorated Text Page; Nicolas Spierinc (Flemish, active 1455 - 1499); Ghent (written), Belgium; 1469; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 12.4 x 9.2 cm (4 7,8 x 3 5,8 in.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 70v, c. 1470. Master of the Geneva Latini (French, active Rouen, 1460-80). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 19.5 x 13.1 cm (7 11/16 x 5 3/16 in.).

Initial D: A Man Threshing Wheat with a Flail. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Decorated Initial Q; Thérouanne , France (formerly Flanders); fourth quarter of 13th century (after 1277); Tempera colors, pen and ink, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 23.3 x 16.4 cm (9 3,16 x 6 7,16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 218r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

Emperor Domitian Speaking to Saint John the Evangelist and Saint John the Evangelist in a Vat of Boiling Oil. Date/Period: Ca. 1255 - 1260. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, colored washes, pen and ink on parchment. Height: 319 mm (12.55 in); Width: 225 mm (8.85 in). Author: UNKNOWN.

Vidal Mayor.

Initial P: Saint George; Initial P: Saint Mark. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 227v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

The Good But Not Very Good are Nourished by a Fountain; Simon Marmion (Flemish, active 1450 - 1489); Ghent, Belgium; 1475; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 36.3 x 26.2 cm (14 5,16 x 10 5,16 in.)

Missale: Fol. 9: Ordo Missalis (full borders), 1469. Bartolommeo Caporali (Italian, c. 1420-1503), assisted by Giapeco Caporali (Italian, d. 1478). Ink, tempera and burnished gold on vellum ; overall: 35 x 25 cm (13 3/4 x 9 13/16 in.).

LA CRONICA TROYANA DE ALFONSO XI - 1350. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 217r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

The Second Angel and Babylon Destroyed. Unknown

A Goose; Thérouanne , France (formerly Flanders); fourth quarter of 13th century (after 1277); Tempera colors, pen and ink, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 23.3 x 16.4 cm (9 3,16 x 6 7,16 in.)

The Third Vessel: The Rivers Turn to Blood. Unknown

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 113v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

Initial G: Saint Barbara; Master of the Dresden Prayer Book or workshop (Flemish, active about 1480 - 1515); Bruges, Belgium; about 1480-1485 ; Tempera colors and gold on parchment; Leaf: 20.5 × 14.8 cm (8 1,16 × 5 13,16 in.)

Initial O: Saint Nicholas Blessing a Child; Georges Trubert (French, active Provence, France 1469 - 1508); Provence, France; about 1480 - 1490; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold and silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 11.4 x 8.6 cm (4 1,2 x 3 3,8 in.)

Initial Q: Bust Portrait of a Man with an Open Book. Cristoforo Cortese (Italian, active Venice, Italy 1390 - 1445)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 50v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.).

Initial F: A Woman in Prayer; Northeastern France, France; about 1300; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 26.4 x 18.3 cm (10 3,8 x 7 3,16 in.)

A Partridge. Date/Period: Fourth quarter of 13th century (after 1277). Folio. Tempera colors, pen and ink, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment. Height: 233 mm (9.17 in); Width: 164 mm (6.45 in). Author: UNKNOWN.

Initial A: The Crucifixion; Master of Sir John Fastolf (French, active before about 1420 - about 1450); France; about 1430 - 1440; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 12.1 x 9.2 cm (4 3,4 x 3 5,8 in.)

Decorated Initial S; Workshop of Valentine Noh (Bohemian, active 1470s); Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic; about 1470 - 1480; Tempera, shell gold, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 14.1 x 10.2 cm (5 9,16 x 4 in.)

Decorated Initial S. Unknown

Miniature showing Julia, dressed in pink and gold, recoiling in horror from kneeling man who presents Pompeii's bloody robe. Initial, rubric, and border design.. 1450. Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375). text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (illuminations). Spencer Collection. Women

Initial E: David Praying; Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290); Paris (written), France; illumination about 1270 - 1280; written about 135 - 1375; Tempera colors, gold, and iron gall ink on parchment; Leaf: 17 x 11.9 cm (6 11,16 x 4 11,16 in.)

The Martyrs and the Pure Sing Praises to God; Simon Marmion (Flemish, active 1450 - 1489); Valenciennes, France; 1475; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 36.3 x 26.2 cm (14 5,16 x 10 5,16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 305v, St. Martha, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible f

Initial D: Christ Blessing; Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410); Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy; between 1389 and 1404; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 33 x 24 cm (13 x 9 7,16 in.)

Initial B: Christ before King Herod; Northeastern France, France; about 1300; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 26.4 x 18.3 cm (10 3,8 x 7 3,16 in.)

A Plover; Thérouanne , France (formerly Flanders); fourth quarter of 13th century (after 1277); Tempera colors, pen and ink, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 23.3 x 16.4 cm (9 3,16 x 6 7,16 in.)

John of Gaunt Traveling to Santiago de Compostela. Unknown

Initial D: Ecclesia Holding a Lance and Chalice; Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290); Northeastern (illuminated), France; illumination about 1270 - 1280; written about 135 - 1375; Tempera colors, gold, and iron gall ink on parchment; Leaf: 17 x 11.9 cm (6 11,16 x 4 11,16 in.)

Miniature showing 1. portrait of Mariamne and Aristobolus shown by kneeling man to royal couple; 2. Mariamne, naked except for a crown, engulfed by flames at the stake as townspeople look on. Initial, border design.. 1450. Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375). text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (illuminations). Spencer Collection. Women

NATURAL HISTORY-COPY OF 15TH CENTURY- FOL 165- MAN EXAMINING PLANT. Author: CAYO PLINIO II (23-79 DC) PLINIO EL VIEJO. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Nero Pauses for a Drink during the Mutilation of His Mother's Body; Unknown; Paris, France, Europe; about 1413 - 1415; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 42 x 29.6 cm (16 9/16 x 11 5/8 in.)

Initial E: Saints Phillip and James. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Initial D: The Presentation in the Temple; Master of Sir John Fastolf (French, active before about 1420 - about 1450); France; about 1430 - 1440; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 12.1 x 9.2 cm (4 3,4 x 3 5,8 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 281v, St. Valentine, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsibl

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 83v, c. 1470. Master of the Geneva Latini (French, active Rouen, 1460-80). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 19.5 x 13.1 cm (7 11/16 x 5 3/16 in.).

Initial D: A Seated Friar; Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290); Northeastern (illuminated), France; illumination about 1270 - 1280; written about 135 - 1375; Tempera colors, gold, and iron gall ink on parchment; Leaf: 17 x 11.9 cm (6 11,16 x 4 11,16 in.)

The Massacre of the Two Witnesses by the Beast. Date/Period: Ca. 1255 - 1260. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, colored washes, pen and ink on parchment. Height: 319 mm (12.55 in); Width: 225 mm (8.85 in). Author: UNKNOWN.

The Destruction of Jerusalem; Unknown; Paris, France, Europe; about 1413 - 1415; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 42 x 29.6 cm (16 9/16 x 11 5/8 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 74r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for most

The Founding of Alexandria-in-Caucaso. Date/Period: Ca. 1470 - 1475. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment. Height: 432 mm (17 in); Width: 330 mm (12.99 in). Author: Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolation and assistant.

The English Capturing the Flemish Fleet and Burning Flemish Towns; Bruges, Belgium; about 1480 - 1483; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 48 x 35 cm (18 7,8 x 13 3,4 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 173v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

The Fourth Trumpet: The Darkening of a Third of the Celestial Bodies; London (probably), England; about 1255 - 1260; Tempera colors, gold leaf, colored washes, pen and ink on parchment; Leaf: 31.9 x 22.5 cm (12 9,16 x 8 7,8 in.)

The Creation of Eve; 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.)

Initial I: Saint Mark; Master of the Dresden Prayer Book or workshop (Flemish, active about 1480 - 1515); Bruges, Belgium; about 1480 - 1485 ; Tempera colors and gold on parchment; Leaf: 20.5 x 14.8 cm (8 1,16 x 5 13,16 in.)

Initial D: The Cross; Taddeo Crivelli (Italian, died about 1479, active about 1451 - 1479); Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy; about 1469; Tempera colors, gold paint, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 10.8 x 7.9 cm (4 1,4 x 3 1,8 in.)

A Woman in Prayer before the Virgin and Child; Follower of the Egerton Master, French / Netherlandish active about 1405 - 1420; Paris, France, Europe; about 1410; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 19.1 x 14 cm (7 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)

Decorated Text Page; Bruges, Belgium; about 1510 - 1520; Tempera colors, gold, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 23.2 × 16.7 cm (9 1,8 × 6 9,16 in.)

Border with the Creation of Birds and Fishes; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525-1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 × 11.4 cm (6 5,8 × 4 1,2 in.)

Calendar Page for August; Harvesting Grapes. Unknown

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 243r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 151v, Elaborate Border of Foliage, c. 1470. Master of the Geneva Latini (French, active Rouen, 1460-80). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 19.5 x 13.1 cm (7 11/16 x 5 3/16 in.).

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 129v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

fol. 14v, 1390

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 131vr, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mo

Saint Anthony. Master of Jacques de Besançon (French, active about 1480 - 1500)

Border with the Queen of Sheba before King Soloman; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; about 1525 - 1530; Tempera colors, gold paint, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 16.8 × 11.4 cm (6 5,8 × 4 1,2 in.)

Saint Nicholas Rescuing Three Youths from a Tub; Master of the Lübeck Bible (Flemish, about 1485-about 1520); Ghent, Belgium; about 1510 - 1520; Tempera colors, gold, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 23.2 x 16.7 cm (9 1,8 x 6 9,16 in.)

Initial D: Solomon Giving a Sword to a Young Man; Lille (probably), France; about 1270; Tempera colors, black ink, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 47 x 32.2 cm (18 1,2 x 12 11,16 in.)

Initial I: King Cyrus Enthroned; Circle of Stefan Lochner (German, died 1451); Cologne, Germany; about 1450; Gold leaf, tempera, and black ink on parchment; Leaf: 36.7 x 26 cm (14 7,16 x 10 1,4 in.)

September Calendar Page; Saint Michael. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

fol. 72v. 1402. Rudolf, von Ems, -approximately 1254. text. Spencer Collection

Saint Barbara; Workshop of Willem Vrelant (Flemish, died 1481, active 1454 - 1481); Bruges, Belgium; early 1460s; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 25.6 x 17.3 cm (10 1,16 x 6 13,16 in.)

Christ in Majesty and the Four Evangelists with Their Symbols; 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.)

Leaf from a Latin Bible: Initial A and Initial A: Judith Beheading Holofernes, c. 1230-1240. Circle or workshop of Leber Group (French). Ink and tempera on vellum; each leaf: 14.8 x 10.4 cm (5 13/16 x 4 1/8 in.).

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 180v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

The Throne of Grace Trinity; Willem Vrelant, Flemish, died 1481, active 1454 - 1481; Bruges, Belgium, Europe; early 1460s; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 25.6 x 17.3 cm (10 1/16 x 6 13/16 in.)

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