Illuminated Manuscripts

Richly illustrated pages from medieval manuscripts, featuring biblical scenes, initial letters, and decorative borders in vibrant colors.

Pentecost; 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 P: The Stoning of Saint Stephen; Paris, France; about 1320-1325; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 16.7 × 11.1 cm (6 9,16 × 4 3,8 in.)

Initial B: David Playing the Harp; 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.)

Pentecost; 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.)

Abbot Maurus with a Staff and 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 E: Two Prophets; 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.)

Cartalus, Hanged by Order of His Father, is Cut Down from the Gibbet. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Initial S: Two Men Fighting with Swords.

The Murder of King Servius by His Son-in-law. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Initial L: A Woman Praying to Christ; 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.)

Decorated Initial E; 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.)

Palatine Codex 418, by Unknown, 13th Century, miniature codex. Italy, Tuscany, Florence, National Central Library. Whole artwork. Illuminated page c.38v Giacomo da Lentini red blue gold.

Inhabited Initial S; Master of Guillebert de Mets (Flemish, active about 1410 - 1450); 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.)

Cartalus, Hanged by Order of His Father, is Cut Down from the Gibbet; Paris, France, Europe; about 1413 - 1415; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 42 x 29.6 cm (16 9,16 x 11 5,8 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 43v, 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.).

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 35v, 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

Decorated Text Page; 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 D: Two Children Carrying Palm Branches. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 174r, 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 B: The Presentation in the Temple; 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.)

Saints Peter and Paul; 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. 317r, 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 Adoration of the Magi; Initial E: Sword Bearers. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Initial D: A Jewish Man points to the Ground. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Tiberius, Messalina, and Caligula Reproach One Another in the Midst of Flames. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Initial R: A Skeleton. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Decorated Initial D. Unknown

David with Saul's Lance and Drinking Cup; 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 N: A King Speaking to Four Men and A Joust between Two Knights.

Decorated Text Page; Ghent (written), Belgium; about 1471; 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 Text Page. Nicolas Spierinc (Flemish, active 1455 - 1499)

MARTIROLOGIO DE BOHEMIA O BERNARDAS. Location: CATEDRAL-ARCHIVO CAPITULAR. GERONA. SPAIN.

Persian Prisoners. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Initial N: Vidal de Canellas Offering His Text to King James; 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 Initial D; Northeastern France, France; about 1300; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 26.4 × 18.3 cm (10 3,8 × 7 3,16 in.)

Throne of Grace / Illumin. ca. 1310/20

Inhabited VD Monogram. Date/Period: Probably 1170s. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf, and ink on parchment. Height: 282 mm (11.10 in); Width: 189 mm (7.44 in). Author: UNKNOWN.

Cartalus, Hanged by Order of His Father, is Cut Down from the Gibbet. 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.

MS Q-I-18-FOL 3-SENECAE OPERA.S XIV.RETRATO DE SENECA. Author: LUCIO ANNEO SENECA (4 AC / 65 DC). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

Initial D: The Deposition. Atelier of the Passion Master

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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 158v, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.). This precious volume was obviously highly prized by its owner, the French-born King of Navarre, who had his coat of arms painted on no less than twenty folios. Rather than directly commissioning this manuscript from a specific workshop, it seems that Charles the Noble acquired his book of hours -- perhaps ready-made for the luxury market -- while on a trip to Paris in 1404-05. A collaborative effort, six painting styles are evidenced within the pages of this codex, those of two Italians, two Frenchmen, and two Netherlanders. The painter who was responsible for the planning and decoration of the book, and who produced seventeen of the large miniatures, was a Bolognese artist known as the Master of the Brussels Initials. His principal assistant, responsible for mos

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

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 287r, 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 D: The Harrowing of Hell; 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.)

Nero Pauses for a Drink during the Mutilation of His Mother's Body. 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 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.)

Prisoners Led from a Defeated City. 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.

Saint Barnabas Reading from a Book. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Lancelot Rescuing a Demoiselle from Brehus sans Pitié; Jeanne de Montbaston (French, active about 1320 - 1355); Paris, France; about 1320-1340; Tempera colors, gold paint, and silver and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 39.4 × 29.8 cm (15 1,2 × 11 3,4 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 20r, 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. 58r, Text, c. 1405. Master of the Brussels Initials and Associates (French). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 20.3 x 15.7 x 7 cm (8 x 6 3/16 x 2 3/4 in.).

Initial V: Joel. Circle of Stefan Lochner (German, died 1451)

Initial B: A Deacon Carrying a Book; 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 D: The Annunciation. Master of the Lee Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1470)

Decorated Initial D; Master of Guillebert de Mets (Flemish, active about 1410 - 1450); 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.)

Llibre del Feits or Chronicle of James I the Conqueror. Folio I with the picture of the banquet of Tarragona, during which Pere Martell proposes to the king the conquest of Mallorca. Miniature Painting. SPAIN. MADRID (AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY). Madrid. National Library.

Initial C: The Sacrifice of Isaac. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

The Beast Enthroned; Unknown; London (probably), England, Europe; 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.)

Initial T: The Agony in the Garden; 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.)

Tidal book with seven -historized initials where engravings are glued in the eye, with decorated initials and pen work, Anonymous, 1475 - 1500 book. print. drawing Netherlands parchment (animal material). gold leaf. deck paint. ink pen / brush / engraving

Initial A: Three Patriarchs; Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy; about 1280 - 1290; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 37.5 x 24.8 cm (14 3,4 x 9 3,4 in.)

Decorated Initial D; 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 O; 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.)

Initial N: A Man Holding a Wheat Sheaf. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Initial D: David in Prayer; Master of the Ingeborg Psalter (French, active about 1195 - about 1210); Noyon (probably), France; after 1205; Tempera colors and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 31 x 21.9 cm (12 3,16 x 8 5,8 in.)

Initial I: Saint Augustine; 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.)

Female Personification of Idleness. Unknown

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 115r, c. 1470. Master of the Geneva Latini (French, active Rouen, 1460-80). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 19.5 x 13.1 cm (7 11/16 x 5 3/16 in.).

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 27v, 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

Athaliah, Queen of Judah, Dragged from the Temple. 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.

Saint John Takes the Rod to Measure the Temple. 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.

Decorated Initial E; 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.)

Robert I and a Presentation of a Hawk; Paris, France; about 1400 - 1415; Leaf: 29.1 × 19.1 cm (11 7,16 × 7 1,2 in.)

Combat Between Tristan and Knights. Jeanne de Montbaston (French, active about 1320 - 1355)

Sadoch Meeting King Pelias and the Queen; 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.)

Decorated Initial D. 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.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 49r, 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.).

Scenes from the Creation; First Master of the Bible historiale of Jean de Berry, French, active about 1390 - about 1400, Unknown; Paris, France, Europe; about 1390 - 1400; Tempera colors, colored washes, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 37.7 x 29.8 cm (14 13/16 x 11 3/4 in.)

The Beast from the Sea; Unknown; London (probably), England, Europe; about 1255 - 1260; Tempera colors, gold leaf, colored washes, pen and ink on parchment; Leaf: 31.9 x 22.5 cm (12 9/16 x 8 7/8 in.)

The Woeful Eagle. Unknown

Scenes from the Creation.

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

De Arte Venandi cum Avibus ("On The Art of Hunting with Birds") by Anonymous / Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana / 1258-1266 / Italy / Watercolour on parchment / History / 3625 / Medieval art

Inhabited Initial D. Date/Period: 1170/1179. Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf, and ink on parchment. Width: 18.9 cm. Height: 28.2 cm. Author: UNKNOWN.

Tristan Speaking to King Arthur, Queen Genevieve, and Knights. Jeanne de Montbaston (French, active about 1320 - 1355)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 170r, 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 Fifth Trumpet: The Angel of Destruction and the Locusts; 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.)

Initial C: The Agony in the Garden; 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.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 134v, c. 1470. Master of the Geneva Latini (French, active Rouen, 1460-80). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; codex: 19.5 x 13.1 cm (7 11/16 x 5 3/16 in.).

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 65v, 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. 29v, 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

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

Miniature showing 1. Orithya kneels and holds scepter to Hercules, who presents Menalippe in chains; 2. armies of Athenians and Amazons charge at each other; 3. empty warships of Hercules docked in the harbor. Initial, rubric, border design.. 1450. Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375). text. Illuminations, Manuscripts, Miniatures (illuminations). Spencer Collection. Women

Saint Lawrence. Workshop of Willem Vrelant (Flemish, died 1481, active 1454 - 1481)

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

Saint Andrew. 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.

Zodiacal Sign of Sagittarius; 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.)

fol. 60r. 1390. Manuscripts, Illuminations. Spencer Collection

Initial B: A Man Holding an Axe above His Head. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

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