Illuminated Manuscripts

Decorative manuscript pages featuring intricate floral patterns and religious figures, showcasing the artistry of medieval bookmaking.

Saint John the Baptist with the Lamb of God; Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century); Paris, France; about 1440 - 1450; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 23.5 x 16.4 cm (9 1,4 x 6 7,16 in.)

Saint John the Baptist. Workshop of Willem Vrelant (Flemish, died 1481, active 1454 - 1481)

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 × 9.2 cm (4 7,8 × 3 5,8 in.)

Saint John the Baptist with the Lamb of God; Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century); Paris, France; about 1440 - 1450; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 23.5 x 16.4 cm (9 1,4 x 6 7,16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 298rv, 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

Decorated Initial F; Decorated Initial B; 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.)

Initial E: Three Men before a Judge and A Man Visiting Another Man at his House; Unknown, Michael Lupi de Çandiu (Spanish, active Pamplona, Spain 1297 - 1305); Northeastern Spain, Spain; about 1290 - 1310; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 36.5 x 24 cm (14 3,8 x 9 7,16 in.)

Saint Luke; Master of the Lee Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1470); Ghent (probably), Belgium; about 1450 - 1455; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 19.4 x 14 cm (7 5,8 x 5 1,2 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 32v, 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

David Paying Homage to Saul; Bruges, 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 U: A Man Clothing a Nude Man. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Decorated Initial G; 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. 304v, 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 S: Saint Urban; 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.)

David in the Water; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 36v, 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

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 211r, 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 E: A Man Standing before a Judge Pointing to a Fire and Two Men before a Judge; Unknown, Michael Lupi de Çandiu (Spanish, active Pamplona, Spain 1297 - 1305); Northeastern Spain, Spain; about 1290 - 1310; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 36.5 x 24 cm (14 3,8 x 9 7,16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 260r, Holy Spirit, 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

Lucretia Listening to a Man. Unknown

Initial G: Saint Peter; 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.)

Initial V: Abraham Ousting Hagar and Her Son Ishmael. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Initial D: A King with Raised Arms. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 224v, 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. 272v, St. Luke, 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

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 124v, 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 T: A Joust between Two Knights; Initial E: A Knight on Horseback with a Lance.

Initial S: A Woman Leaving Her Husband's House.

Initial A: Arrival of Ships in Constantinople; Master of the Brussels Romuléon or workshop, Flemish, active about 1465; Brussels (probaby), Belgium, Europe; 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.), Justification: 15.6 x 10.8 cm (6 1/8 x 4 1/4 in.)

Initial C: The Virgin and Child. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Initial E: Saint Matthew; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 193v, 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 Text Page; Nicolas Spierinc (Flemish, active 1455 - 1499); Antwerp (illuminated), 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.)

A Cross in a Landscape. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 67v 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

Initial G: The Deposition; Brabant (possibly), Flanders, Belgium; after 1460; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 17.1 x 12.2 cm (6 3,4 x 4 13,16 in.)

Two Medallions with Doves. 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 B: A Jew Praying and the Virgin and Child; 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.)

A Jewish Woman Devouring Her Child during the Siege of Jerusalem. Date/Period: Ca. 1413 - 1415. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment. Height: 420 mm (16.53 in); Width: 296 mm (11.65 in). Author: UNKNOWN.

Decorated Initial V; 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. 236v, 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 T: Blind Tobit and the Angel; 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.)

Initial A: A King Pointing to the Heavens and to the Ground; 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.)

Initial O: The Adoration of the Magi; Paris, France; about 1320 - 1325; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 16.7 x 11.1 cm (6 9,16 x 4 3,8 in.)

Saint Barnabas Reading from a Book; Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century); Paris, France; about 1440 - 1450; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 23.5 x 16.4 cm (9 1,4 x 6 7,16 in.)

Initial M: Saint Sabina; 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 O: Saint Barbara before a Tower. Master of the Llangattock Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1460)

Initial G: Saint Francis; 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 N: Two Men Building a Fortress; Initial S: Two Men Meeting a Nobleman Carrying a Hawk.

Inhabited Initial C. Unknown

Decorated Initial D; 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.)

Decorated Text Page; Bruges (illuminated), Belgium; 1450s; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 26.4 x 18.4 cm (10 3,8 x 7 1,4 in.)

Lucretia Listening to a Man; France; about 1460 - 1470; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 17.6 x 11.4 cm (6 15,16 x 4 1,2 in.)

Saint James the Greater; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 187v, 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. 110r, 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. 271r, St. Barnabus, 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

Initial C: The Virgin and Child; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 130v, 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. 299v, St. Agnes, 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

Initial D: A Jew Bringing Bread to a Man in a Cave; 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.)

Initial V: A Seated Man Holding a Scroll. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

The Beast from the Earth Killing People and People Receiving the Mark of 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.

Initial D: A Dancing Putto; Fra Vincentius a Fundis (Italian, active about 1560s); Nola, Campania, Italy; 1567; Tempera and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 41 x 27 cm (16 1,8 x 10 5,8 in.)

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

Saint Barbara. 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.

Initial E: A Prophet. Circle of Stefan Lochner (German, died 1451)

Initial E: David Crushing the Devil Underfoot. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Initial L: A Kneeling Man Pointing to a Rock and Touching His Head; 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.)

Initial P: Saint Paul with a Sword. Circle of Stefan Lochner (German, died 1451)

Decorated Initial F; Master Michael (Austrian, active about 1420 until the mid-15th century); Vienna, Austria; about 1420 - 1430; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 41.9 x 31 cm (16 1,2 x 12 3,16 in.)

Initial L; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 77r, 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 Suicide of Lucretia. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Miniature showing Erythraea, wearing a blue gown, turning the page of a manuscript on the lectern of a golden altar decorated with icons and books. A rich library with ornately clasped books visible. Gothic architectural frame. Border design and initial.. 1450. Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375). text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (illuminations). Spencer Collection. Women

The Removal of the Two Witnesses and the Destruction of the City. 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.

Initial I: A Saint; 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.)

Initial L: Saint Cecilia; 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 E: Four Men before a King.

Inhabited Initial B; Hildesheim, Germany; probably 1170s; Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 28.2 × 18.9 cm (11 1,8 × 7 7,16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 97v, 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

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 120v, 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 Struggle between Fortune and Poverty; Boucicaut Master and workshop, French, active about 1390 - 1430; 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 D: A Nimbed Man Speaking to Two Persons; 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.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 148r, 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.).

Inhabited Initial Q; Tournai (probably), Belgium; about 1140 - 1150; Tempera colors, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 17.8 x 10.8 cm (7 x 4 1,4 in.)

Decorated Initial L; Decorated Initial I. Circle of Stefan Lochner (German, died 1451)

Initial F: The Nativity; 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.)

An Exchange of Letters between Euryalus and Lucretia. Unknown

The Embassy from John of Gaunt before the King of Portugal; Master of the Copenhagen Caesar (Flemish, active about 1475 - 1485); 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. 262v, 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

Judas Paying Pieces of Silver; Master of Cardinal Bourbon (French, about 1480 - 1500); Paris, France; about 1500; Tempera colors, ink and gold on parchment; Leaf: 13.3 x 8.7 cm (5 1,4 x 3 7,16 in.)

The Dispute Among Eight Prophets. Master of the Geneva Boccaccio (French, active about 1445 - 1470)

Initial B: A Priest Baptizing a Child; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425), fol. 320v, 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 Woeful Eagle; 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.)

Saint Peter Handing a Letter to a Messenger; Master of Jean de Mandeville (French, active 1350 - 1370); Paris, France; about 1360 - 1370; Tempera on parchment; Leaf: 34.9 x 26 cm (13 3,4 x 10 1,4 in.)

The Stoning of Saint Stephen; 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.)

Initial D: A Dancing Putto. Fra Vincentius a Fundis (Italian, active about 1560s)

Initial E: Saint James the Greater; 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.)

Miniature showing Antonia in her widowhood, spinning at her wheel while female attendants card and twist. Initial and border design.. 1450. Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375). text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (illuminations). Spencer Collection. Women

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