Illuminated Manuscripts

Richly decorated pages from historical manuscripts, showcasing intricate illustrations and religious themes with colors and gold leaf.

Decorated Initial D; 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. 300v, St. Agatha, 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

Saint Matthew Seated; 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.)

Missale: Fol. 124v: Christ holding the Cross, 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.).

Initial B: David and Goliath. Unknown

Initial E: Two Martyrs; 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. 303r, St. Apollonia, 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

The Massacre of the Innocents. 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 O; 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 Text Page; 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.)

Decorated Initial D; 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.)

Initial G: All Saints; 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 I: Scenes of the Creation of the World and the Crucifixion; Lille (probably), France; about 1270; Tempera colors, black ink, and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 47 x 30.8 cm (18 1,2 x 12 1,8 in.)

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

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

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 218v, 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

Saint Nicholas Rescuing Three Youths from a Tub; 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. 303r, The Virgin Martyrs, 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, respo

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 306r, 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 A: Two Men and a Judge before an Altar; 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.)

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.)

Initial O: The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian. Master of the Llangattock Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1460)

Initial D: The Naming of Saint John the Baptist. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Decorated Initial D; 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 Vincent with a Book and a Palm. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Decorated Initial M; Decorated Initial D; 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.)

Initial M: Saints Simon and Jude. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Initial Q: Two Men Fighting with Clubs; Initial L: A Man Leaving a House with a Sack on his Shoulder; Initial N: A Man with a Sack on his Shoulder before a Judge.

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 126v, 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 Cross in a Landscape; 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 C: Pharoah Handing a Key to David. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Initial T: The Healing of the Blind after Touching the Body of Saint Anthony. Master of the Brussels Romuléon or workshop (Flemish, active about 1465)

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

Decorated Initial S; 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.)

Decorated Initial D. Unknown

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.)

Decorated Initial Q; Engelberg, Switzerland; third quarter of 13th century; Tempera colors and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 21.6 x 15.6 cm (8 1,2 x 6 1,8 in.)

Initial T: A Church. Master Michael (Austrian, active about 1420 until the mid-15th century)

Assassination Scene. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Two Kings of Ireland. Simon Marmion (Flemish, active 1450 - 1489)

Saint Paul with an Open Book. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Saint Augustine. 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.

Agravain and Mordret Speaking with Gauvain; Paris, France; about 1320 - 1340; Tempera colors, gold paint, and silver and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 39.4 x 29.8 cm (15 1,2 x 11 3,4 in.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 88v, 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: The Annunciation; 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. 192v, 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 O: The Virgin and Child Enthroned; Master of the Llangattock Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1460); 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.)

Agathocles Orders His Wife and Children to Flee to Egypt; 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.)

Thomas Moreaux, Marshall of John of Gaunt, Fighting at Ruelles; 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. 207r, 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

Inhabited Initial S. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Decorated Initial D; Salzburg, Austria; about 1485; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 17.6 x 13 cm (6 15,16 x 5 1,8 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 238r, 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 L: Samuel Crowning David; 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 A: Two men beating the ground with mallets. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Initial N: God in the Clouds before a Tower. Unknown

Initial E: Christ Holding a Crown and Flail; 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. 262r, Instruments of the Passion, 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 assistan

Border with Samuel Brought before Eli. Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561)

Initial D: The Massacre of the Innocents. Master of the Lee Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1470)

Initial A: A Noblewoman Seated on the Ground Reading; 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.)

Two Pairs of 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.

Leaf from a Book of Hours (recto and verso), late 15th century, Possibly The School of the Master of Mary of Burgundy, French or Flemish, 5 x 3 3/8 in. (12.7 x 8.57 cm) (image)5 11/16 x 3 11/16 in. (14.45 x 9.37 cm) (sheet), Ink, gouache, and gold leaf on vellum, France or Flanders, 15th century, Manuscript books could be purchased from a given workshop in various levels of quality. The colorful leaf seen here shows an ingenious method of producing a pleasing book using artists of middling skill. By breaking the border down into small sections, the master could have an assistant copy relatively simple units of decoration in ever varying combinations. It is also interesting to note that the artist probably copied the tiny picture of the praying figures from another manuscript and since it was not designed as an initial, he crammed the 'D' into the upper right corner.

Decorated Initial D; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 107v, 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

Palamedes Fighting the Knights of the Round Table; Paris, France; about 1320 - 1340; Tempera colors, gold paint, and silver and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 39.4 x 29.8 cm (15 1,2 x 11 3,4 in.)

Initial I: Saints Fabian and Sebastian; Initial M: Saint Agnes; 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. 31v, 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 J: The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist; 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 Prayer; 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. 308v, 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 Turtle Dove; Thérouanne , France (formerly Flanders), Europe; about 1270; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 19.1 x 14.3 cm (7 1,2 x 5 5,8 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 22r, , 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 of

Decorated Initial S; 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. 220v, 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 Betrayal of Christ; 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.)

The Throne of Grace Trinity; 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.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 66v, 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.).

Job on the Dung Heap. Master of Jean de Mandeville (French, active 1350 - 1370)

Decorated Text Page; Nicolas Spierinc, Flemish, active 1455 - 1499; Ghent (written), Belgium, Europe; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 147r, 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

Virgin and Child; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 105r, 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: Passengers in a Boat Crying Out to God for Mercy; 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 M: A Man Touching a Rock and Pointing; 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 T: Bust Portrait of a Bearded Man. Cristoforo Cortese (Italian, active Venice, Italy 1390 - 1445)

Initial D: The Trinity; 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.)

Inhabited VD Monogram; Unknown; Hildesheim, Germany, Europe; probably 1170s; Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 28.2 x 18.9 cm (11 1/8 x 7 7/16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 69v, 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 O: Nahum Lamenting the Fall of Nineveh; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 198r, 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 M; 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.)

French 14th Century, Manuscript Leaf from a Book of Hours (incip Passionis), 1390 Manuscript Leaf from a Book of Hours (incip. Passionis)

Initial P: A Man on a White Horse with a Sickle. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 289v, 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 Utrecht): fol. 63r, Initial with Holy Trinity, c. 1460-1465. Master of Gijsbrecht van Brederode (Netherlandish), and Master of the Boston City of God (Netherlandish). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; binding: brown Morocco over original wooden boards; overall: 5.9 x 11.6 cm (2 5/16 x 4 9/16 in.).

Diagram Showing the Orbits of the Sun and the Moon; 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.)

Decorated Initial G. Master Michael (Austrian, active about 1420 until the mid-15th century)

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.

Initial L: David Playing the Harp. Unknown

Initial I: Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness. Master of the Dresden Prayer Book or workshop (Flemish, active about 1480 - 1515)

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