Medieval Religious Manuscripts

Illustrations from historical manuscripts depicting Christian saints, biblical events, and ceremonies with ornate details and rich colors.

Lisbius proclaims himself a disciple of Christ, 1317. Artist: Unknown

Annunciation by Master of Catherine of Cleves, Gouache on parchment, circa 1440, active between 1430 and 1450, Germany, Munster, Landesmuseum fur Kunst und Kulturgeschichte

The Meal- From 'De Universo' By Rabanus Maurus (C.780-856) 1023 Italian School (11th C.) Vellum Abbey of Monte Cassino, Cassino, Italy

Jesus curing the man possessed of a devil (top). Raising of Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, after four days (bottom). After Armenian Evangelistery (1394). Calligraphy and painting by Rotakes.

CODICE ALBENDENSE - MOZARABE - SIGLO X - FOL 143 V. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

RETABLO DE LOS SANTOS ABDON Y SENEN (1459-60) - TEMPLE SOBRE MADERA - 301x225 CM. Author: JAIME HUGUET (1414-1492). Location: MARIENKIRCHE. Terrassa. Barcelona. SPAIN.

SAINT JAMES THE GREAT is beheaded outside Jerusalem Date: - 44

Liber census communis senesis et liber memoriales offensarum, by Unknown, 1222 - 1224, 13th Century, papyrus. Italy, Tuscany, Siena, National Archive. Detail. The Podesta offering the Memorial tablet to Siena. Throne Podesta man small figure memorial tablet Cathedral Siena dome arches porch entrance pillars inscriptions blue red black green.

Christ's Entry into Jerusalem / Spanish

Barochias is Enthroned as King and Receives the Royal Ring.

England: Euclid holding a sphere and dioptra observing the moon and stars; Hermannus holding an astrolabe. Coloured drawing, Liber Fortunae, Bernardus Silvester, late 14th century

Crusades. Embarkation of knights of the Order of the Holy Spirit to the Holy Land. Knights had to be willing to submit to the Roman Church whenever it ordered them to do so. Detail of a chromolithography after a miniature from the statutes of the Order of the Holy Spirit in Naples, 14th century. "Vie Militaire et Religieuse au Moyen Age et à l'Epoque de la Renaissance". Paris, 1877.

King Henry VI enthroned, circa 1445

MTI1-CANTIGA STA MARIA Nº28-F43R-LA VIRGEN DEFIENDE CONSTANTINOPLA DE LOS MOROS-MINIATURA S XIII- DETALLE. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN. SAN GERMAN.

Biblia pauperum (Paupers' Bible). Jacob is deceived (left), Absalom's conspiracy against David (right) and the conspiracy of the Jews (central medallion). Four medallions with portraits of Jacob, David, Solomon and Nahum. Codex Palatinus latinus 871, ca. 1425. Fol. 9r. Facsimile. Vatican Apostolic Library.

Trinity. Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. One God in three persons. Minitature of Roman de la Rose. 16th century. France. (Photo by: PHAS/UIG)

An Engagement - From 'Decrets De Gratien' 13th C. French School(- ) Vellum Bibliotheque Municipale, Laon, France

MTI1-CANTIGA STA MARIA Nº115-F164V-LIBERACION DEL DEMONIO POR MEDIACION DE LA VIRGEN-S XIII. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN. PAPA CLEMENTE III. CLEMENTE III PAPA.

Sigismund and Barbara of Celje at the Council of Constance In 1414 to settle the Western Schism. Sigismund 1368 1437) was King of Hungary and Croatia1387 to 1437, and Holy Roman Emperor 1433 until 1437

Abbess: "Fig. 143 represents an abbess of the end of the 12th century. Her costume is very simple: it consists of a long tunic with long sleeves, probably made of linen. Underneath is a black robe of the same length as the tunic. The hood which is part of the garment covered the whole of the back of the head.". Priest: "One sees in fig. 144 a priest dressed in choir habit.". Monk: "In fig. 145, who holds a book in one hand and points to the sky with his other, one finds the costume of the monks of the 12th century." . Handcolored copperplate engraving from Robert von Spalart's "Historical Picture of the Costumes of the Principal People of Antiquity and of the Middle Ages" (1796).

The Wise and Foolish Virgins, 17th century, 83 1/2 x 61 in. (212.09 x 154.94 cm), Wool, bast fiber; tapestry weave, Norway, 17th century, Large tapestries depicting biblical scenes were popular in rural Norway in the 1600s and 1700s. Draped over a bed, they provided warmth, decoration, and moral instruction. This tapestry illustrates the parable of the wise and foolish maidens, as recounted in the gospel of Matthew in the Christian Bible. The figures at the top represent the wise maidens, whose oil-filled lamps light the path, guiding the bridegroom to the wedding feast. In the lower register, the foolish maidens with their empty lamps weep into their handkerchiefs upon learning that they have been excluded from the celebration.

Eating Sacrificial Lamb. Dated: c. 1420/1430. Dimensions: image: 10.5 x 8.5 cm (4 1/8 x 3 3/8 in.). Medium: pen and ink with watercolor; fragment from Bible MS (German text on image verso); image cut in silhouette and mounted on backing sheet. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: Austrian 15th Century.

This colored woodcut by Peter Berger, dated 1488, depicts Abbot Malchus giving an escort as Macharius goes into the desert. The scene reflects themes of monastic life and asceticism, rendered in the detailed style of 15th-century German printmaking.

Fifth vision: all who worship the beast, including the rich and the lame (one with a dog), are marked on foreheads and hands; to honor the Lamb, the saved sing a new song, here "ihesu criste nostra salus" with musical notation.. 1425 - 1450. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division

Sixth vision: John sees seven angels with the seven plagues in jars, and seven angels holdings harps, and standing on a sea of glass shot through with fire.. 1425 - 1450. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division. Harps, Angels

Frederick II's crusader soldiers at the gates of Jerusalem, 1229, miniature taken from Descriptio Terrae Sanctae by Burcardus Theutonicus or Burchard of Mount Sion, 14th century manuscript. Crusades, 14th century.

DE PREDIS, Cristoforo (1440-1486). Stories of Saint Joachim, Saint Anne, Virgin Mary, Jesus, the Baptist and the End of the World. 1476. Jesus heals a possessed dumb. Renaissance art. Quattrocento. Miniature Painting. ITALY. PIEDMONT. Turin. Royal Library.

Joachim and Anne's Wedding. Codex of Predis (1476). Royal Library. Turin. Italy.

The Tacuinum (sometimes Taccuinum) Sanitatis is a medieval handbook on health and wellbeing, based on the Taqwim al-sihha ('Maintenance of Health'), an eleventh-century Arab medical treatise by Ibn Butlan of Baghdad. Ibn Butln was a Christian physician born in Baghdad and who died in 1068. He sets forth the six elements necessary to maintain daily health: food and drink, air and the environment, activity and rest, sleep and wakefulness, secretions and excretions of humours, changes or states of mind (happiness, anger, shame, etc). According to Ibn Butln, illnesses are the result of changes in the balance of some of these elements, therefore he recommended a life in harmony with nature in order to maintain or recover one’s health. Ibn Butln also teaches us to enjoy each season of the year, the consequences of each type of climate, wind and snow. He points out the importance of spiritual wellbeing and mentions, for example, the benefits of listening to music, dancing or ha

The Apostles and the Hebrew people, Romanesque painted ceiling, c. 1150, Grisons canton, Switzerland, detail

The Crusades. Shipment the Knights of The Order of the Holy Ghost to the Holy Land. "Status of l'Ordre du Saint Esperit of Naples". Facsimile. 14th century manuscript. National Library of Paris. France.

This 1488 colored woodcut by Anton Koberger depicts Saint Pelagia, emphasizing her figure, posture, and late 15th-century Nuremberg woodcut technique.

MADERUELO, Master of (12th century). The Book of Kalila and Dimna. s.XIV. F. 111, a medical consultation. Islamic art. Miniature Painting. EGYPT. CAIRO. Cairo. National Library.

A colored pen drawing by an anonymous artist depicting a shepherd with women, created between 1420 and 1430, focusing on figures, attire, and interaction.

Royal banquet, miniature from Guyart des Moulins and Peter Comestor's Bible, manuscript, end 13th Century-beginning 14th Century.

MAGI & JESUS - Adoration of Jesus Date: 1ST CENTURY

The children of the king and the queen / the children of Mgr Le Comte d'Artois

CODICE EMILIANENSE - MOZARABE - FOL 114V - SIGLO X. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Allegory of contemplative faith, miniature from Beatae Elisabeth Psalterium, Germany, 13th Century.

Western Christian knights who took part in an expedition of the Crusades to the Holy Land. Page of the Statutes of the Order of the Holy Spirit. 15th century.

CODICE ALBENDENSE - MOZARABE - FOL 110 V - SIGLO X. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Miniature across two pages, showing worship at an altar.. 1445. Schlapperitzin, Konrad ca. um 1445. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division

The evangelist John, miniature from Revelation from Saint Amand's Abbey, Latin manuscript, France 9th Century.

Cristoforo de Predis (1440-1486). Italian miniaturist. Miniature depicting Jesus condemns Jerusalem that has killed prophets. In Stories of Saint Joachim, Saint Anne, Virgin Mary, Jesus, the Baptist and the End of the World, 1476, written by Galeazzo Maria Sforza (1444-1476). Royal Library. Turin. Italy.

Men dressed for different seasons of the year Date: 14th century

Empress Josephine , Coronation 1804

A colored pen drawing by an anonymous artist depicting prophets in sitting and standing postures, created between 1420 and 1430, emphasizing figure, posture, and gestures.

Thomas the Slav negotiates with the Arabs during his revolt against Michael II the Amorian

Vladimir Vsevolodovich crowned by Bishop Neophytos with Monomakh's Cap. (From the Illuminated Compiled Chronicle), Anonymous

Scene from the 14th Century, illustrated manuscript the Breviari damor. It illustrates the seven Acts of Mercy. Here is shown burying the dead

King Zedekiah as prisoner / Illumination

Kiss of Judas, Arrest and Descent of Christ. end 12th c. Altar side. Right detail. Romanesque art. Tempera on wood. SPAIN. CATALONIA. LLEIDA. Solsona. Diocesan and Regional Museum. Proc: SPAIN. CATALONIA. BARCELONA. Sagös. Church of Sant Andreu of Sagös.

Miniature from The Miracles of Our Lady.

Illumination of Pope Gregory the Great leading a procession to pray for the cessation of the plague. Cardinals, monks, a hermit and laymen follow him. The Bubonic plague had reached Europe in 1348 and killed a third of the population. Dated 15th Century

CHINDASVISNTO REY VISIGODO - CODICE EMILIANENSE - MOZARABE - FOL 453R - SIGLO X. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN. CHINDASVINTO.

Coronation of Henry the Lion (1129-1195) Duke of Saxony from 1146, and his wife Matilda daughter of Henry II of England, married 1168. In top half of picture Christ, Angels and Saints look down. From Gospel of Henry the Lion. Manuscript

Netherlands, Master of Antwerp (I), Soldiers inform the high priests that Christ has risen, verso center - stamped, print, book illustration, prints, height 97 mm, width 130 mm, print maker, printmaker, 1485 - 1491, fourth quarter 15th century, paper, woodcut, hand colouring

Flagellants or Brothers of the Cross in Netherlands town of Doornik 1349 scourging themselves as they walk through streets in order to free world from Black Death (Bubonic Plague). Chromolithograph after 'Chronica Aegidii Li Muisius'.

Torture and martyrdom of Calixten Cephobe, miniature from a medieval manuscript, France 14th Century.

This anonymous colored pen drawing from 1420-1430 depicts the stoning of Simei, focusing on figure interaction, posture, and narrative context.

St Nicholas Throwing three Gold bars to three Poor Girls, by Master of Santa Felicita, 14th Century, fresco. Italy: Veneto: Verona: San Zeno Maggiore basilica. Whole artwork. Scene inside square St Nicholas throwing three gold bars to the three poor girls sitting inside a house with arcade Saint bishop hierarchic proportions tiara pastoral/crosier staff

Charles The Bold (1433-77) Duke of Burgundy from 1467, enthroned & surrounded by his nobles & counsellors. In illuminated border, woman plays a lute and a man the bagpipes. Chromolithograph from a 15th century miniature

MANUSCRITO ARABE-FOL 39V-CAMPAMENTO MILITAR DE CASTILLA-S XI. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Cantigas de Santa Mari´a (Canticles of Holy Mary). Reign of Alfonso X of Castile, "the Wise" (1221-1284). Medieval lady spinning wool. Library of El Escorial. Madrid. Spain. National Heritage.

Harvesting the grain, miniature from the Mirror of the Virgin, manuscript, Germany 12th Century.

Illustration showing the infancy of Christ. Dyer (to whom Christ was said to be apprenticed). English, Medieval Manuscript, circa 1315-1325. MS. Selden Supra 38, pt. 1

Table of Saint Ursula by Second Master of Bierge. Dated 13th Century

The Tacuinum (sometimes Taccuinum) Sanitatis is a medieval handbook on health and wellbeing, based on the Taqwim al-sihha ('Maintenance of Health'), an eleventh-century Arab medical treatise by Ibn Butlan of Baghdad. Ibn Butln was a Christian physician born in Baghdad and who died in 1068. He sets forth the six elements necessary to maintain daily health: food and drink, air and the environment, activity and rest, sleep and wakefulness, secretions and excretions of humours, changes or states of mind (happiness, anger, shame, etc). According to Ibn Butln, illnesses are the result of changes in the balance of some of these elements, therefore he recommended a life in harmony with nature in order to maintain or recover one’s health. Ibn Butln also teaches us to enjoy each season of the year, the consequences of each type of climate, wind and snow. He points out the importance of spiritual wellbeing and mentions, for example, the benefits of listening to music, dancing or ha

Biblia de Sant Pere de Rodas, Elías y el carro de fuego (vol. 2, hoja 48r), siglo XI. Museum: Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris.

Codex Aemilianensis. 992-994. Council of Hispanic bishops during the Visigothic domination. Mozarabic art. Miniature Painting. SPAIN. MADRID (AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY). San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Royal Library of the Monastery of El Escorial. Proc: SPAIN. LA RIOJA. San Millàn de la Cogolla.

The martyrdom of H. Appolonia ..

Alfonso II of Aragon (1154-1196) exchanges possessions with the Order of Hospitalers. Liber Feudorum Maior. 12th century. Spain.

MARTêNEZ COMPAîN Y BUJANDA, Baltasar Jaime (1735-1797). Trujillo del Perœ en el siglo XVIII. 1782 - 1785. Vol. II. Illustration 51. 'Cholo Indians praying Doctrina Christiana in Huairona'. Cholo Indian people. Watercolour. SPAIN. MADRID (AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY). Madrid. Palacio Real Library.

BIBLIA ROMANICA S XII-INICIAL H. Location: BIBLIOTECA PROVINCIAL. BURGOS. SPAIN.

Henry II (1133-1189) King of England from 1154: Henry disputing with Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) Archbishop of Canterbury. Mailed figures are four knights who murdered Becket. Chromolithograph after medieval manuscript.

CODICE ALBENDENSE - MOZARABE - FOL 78 V - SIGLO X. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

CODICE TRUJILLO DEL PERU - TOMO II E 18 - INDIA DE CELAN CON TRAJE DE IGLESIA - ACUARELA - SIGLO XVIII. Author: MARTINEZ COMPAÑON BALTASAR. Location: PALACIO REAL-BIBLIOTECA. MADRID. SPAIN.

Christ and the Lamb in heaven; Fourth seal, the pale horse, fol. 21r., 1325 - 1350. Horses, Religious aspects, Christianity

The Tacuinum (sometimes Taccuinum) Sanitatis is a medieval handbook on health and wellbeing, based on the Taqwim alsihha تقويم الصحة ('Maintenance of Health'), an eleventh-century Arab medical treatise by Ibn Butlan of Baghdad. Ibn Butln was a Christian physician born in Baghdad and who died in 1068. He sets forth the six elements necessary to maintain daily health: food and drink, air and the environment, activity and rest, sleep and wakefulness, secretions and excretions of humours, changes or states of mind (happiness, anger, shame, etc). According to Ibn Butln, illnesses are the result of changes in the balance of some of these elements, therefore he recommended a life in harmony with nature in order to maintain or recover one’s health. Ibn Butln also teaches us to enjoy each season of the year, the consequences of each type of climate, wind and snow. He points out the importance of spiritual wellbeing and mentions, for example, the benefits of listening to music, dancing or ha

Banking in medieval Genoa, Italy, depicted in a 15th Century, Italian manuscript. Scene shows customers with account books

Fresco of Monks in a Choir. There would be seven regular services from 2.30 in the morning to 7.30 at night: Lauds, Prime, Tierece, Sext, None, Evensong and Compline. Dated 10th Century

Escorial Beatus. 950 - 955. Cod & II. 5. Folio 150r. Death of the Beast and the enemies of God. Codex with the Commentary on the Apocalypse of St. John (776-786) of Beatus of Li_bana. Preromanesque art. Miniature Painting. SPAIN. MADRID (AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY). San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Royal Library of the Monastery of El Escorial. Proc: SPAIN. LA RIOJA. San Millàn de la Cogolla.

Full-page miniature showing God and angles, and men feeding birds.. 1445. Schlapperitzin, Konrad ca. um 1445. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division

A Man Hitting a Snake Creeping Out of a Church; A Group of People Hitting an Animal in a Fox-Hole. Unknown

Cristoforo de Predis (1440-1486). Italian miniaturist. Jesus across the lake and find a Demon-Possessed man in the region of Gerasenes. Codex of Predis, 1476. Royal Library. Turin, Italy.

Archbishop of Trier with mitre, sword and banner 1, Archbishop of Cologne 2, a secular Elector 3, and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV on his throne with sceptre and orb 4. Arcivescovo, Elettori. Miniatures from the Vienna Codex of the Golden Bull, an illuminated manuscript prepared for King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia, 1365. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Migliavacca from Giulio Ferrarios Costumes Ancient and Modern of the Peoples of the World, Il Costume Antico e Moderno, Florence, 1844.

German 16th Century, Three Men in Red Capes Dancing with Their Partners, c. 1515, pen and brown ink with watercolor on laid paper

Full-page miniature.. 1445. Schlapperitzin, Konrad ca. um 1445. Religious books, Manuscripts. Manuscripts and Archives Division

CODICE ALBENDENSE - MOZARABE - FOL 106 R - SIGLO X. Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

King Avenir, Josaphat and the Pagan Scholars Behold the Sun God in the Clouds.

EDWARD THE CONFESSOR King of England (1042-66) Date: 1004-1066

Illumination depicting the darkness at the Crucifixion from the Belles Heures of Jean de France, Duc de Berry (The Beautiful Hours) an early 15th-century illuminated manuscript book of hours. Dated 15th Century

Christ before Pilate; The Flagellation; Lake Van, Turkey; 1386; Black ink and watercolors on paper bound between wood boards covered with dark brown kidskin; Leaf: 24 x 16.5 cm (9 7,16 x 6 1,2 in.)

INDULGENCIAS COFRADIA VIRGEN RODONA-ANUNCIACION. Location: MUSEO EPISCOPAL. VIC. Barcelona. SPAIN. VIRGIN MARY. SAN GABRIEL ARCANGEL / ARCANGEL SAN GABRIEL.

fine arts, middle ages, Gothic, illumination, ""Cantigas de Santa Maria"" of King Alfonso X of Castile, circa 1280, chant 400, Codex T, Escorial, Madrid,

Ex voto. Storm, by Unknown, 18th Century, tile polychrome majolica. Italy, Umbria, Deruta, Perugia, Madonna dei Bagni Church. Whole artwork. Top left tree roots emblem with Virgin Mary Madonna and Baby: Child Jesus: Christ Child inscription initials for received favors on the right tree lying man three praying men standing rain storm green yellow blue.

Jan Hus (1369-1415). Czech theologian and philosopher. Reformer excommunicated in 1410 for propagating the doctrines of Wycliffe. In 1414 he attended the Council of Constance, where he was tried and condemned to the stake as a heretic. This unleashed the Hussite uprising (1419-1434), antecedent of the Wars of Religion. On 6 July 1415 he was burnt at the stake for heresy. Miniature.

Birth of Mary, altarpiece fragment, 1437-1445, by Blasco de Granen (active 1422-1459), tempera on panel, 115x72 cm.

Stained glass window depicting Medieval European Jews in science and trade, astrologers, money lander, translater, engineer, pharmacist and a wine merchant. Israel

The Tacuinum (sometimes Taccuinum) Sanitatis is a medieval handbook on health and wellbeing, based on the Taqwim al-sihha ('Maintenance of Health'), an eleventh-century Arab medical treatise by Ibn Butlan of Baghdad. Ibn Butln was a Christian physician born in Baghdad and who died in 1068. He sets forth the six elements necessary to maintain daily health: food and drink, air and the environment, activity and rest, sleep and wakefulness, secretions and excretions of humours, changes or states of mind (happiness, anger, shame, etc). According to Ibn Butln, illnesses are the result of changes in the balance of some of these elements, therefore he recommended a life in harmony with nature in order to maintain or recover one’s health. Ibn Butln also teaches us to enjoy each season of the year, the consequences of each type of climate, wind and snow. He points out the importance of spiritual wellbeing and mentions, for example, the benefits of listening to music, dancing or ha

BIBLIA DE AVILA - VIT-15-1 FOLIO 324 - SIGLO XII - ROMANICO ESPAÑOL. Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL-COLECCION. MADRID. SPAIN. JESUS. CRISTO CRUCIFICADO. JESUS DE LA PASION. BUEN LADRON. MAL LADRON.

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