Illuminated Manuscripts

Intricate medieval manuscript pages highlighted with tempera colors and gold leaf, featuring scenes and decorated initials from religious texts.

Initial H: The Presentation in the Temple; 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.)

Initial H: The Presentation in the Temple; 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 Clement with an Anchor. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Initial E: Riders on Horseback; Initial S: A Judge and Men with Axes in a Vineyard; 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 F; Decorated Initial B. Unknown

The Suicides of Meleager and Althea. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

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

Initial B: A Man Distributing Bread. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Initial O: The Agony in the Garden. Unknown

Initial T: Nebuchadnezzar Holding a Jewish Captive. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 238v, 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 S. Workshop of Valentine Noh (Bohemian, active 1470s)

The Descent into Limbo; Atelier of the Passion Master; 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 D; 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 T: Aaron and an Israelite; Austria; about 1300; Tempera colors and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 34.3 x 24.3 cm (13 1,2 x 9 9,16 in.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 274r, St. Stephen, 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 H: David Playing the Harp. Unknown

Initial E: Saint Stephen; 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.)

fol. 68r. 1390. Manuscripts, Illuminations. Spencer Collection

Initial D; 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 C; 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.)

Assassination Scene; 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.)

Tristan Rescuing King Arthur. Unknown

The Death of Brunhilde, Queen of France.

Initial P: Four Men before a King; 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); Ghent (written), Belgium; 1469; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 12.4 x 9.2 cm (4 7,8 x 3 5,8 in.)

Initial S: A Man and a Woman Speaking while a Woman Stands Nearby with a Child and a Man Departs with another Child.

The Birth of the Virgin; Initial S: The Virgin Reading; 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 L: A Man in Bed Raising His Hands to Heaven. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Decorated Initial S. Workshop of Valentine Noh (Bohemian, active 1470s)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 220r, 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 I: Saint John the Evangelist in a Vat of Boiling Oil. Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, active about 1389 - 1410)

Initial B: Saint Nicholas; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 114v, 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: Four Men Gathered around a Tower; 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.)

Boccaccio's Vision of the Laurel-Crowned Petrarch. 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: Boucicaut Master Illuminator.

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

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

Saint Mark; 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.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 33v, 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 V: Dragon and a Woman. Unknown

Initial M: Saint Bartholomew; 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. 221r, 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)

The Battle between the Angel and the Dragon; 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.)

Inhabited Initial Q; Montecassino, Italy; 1153; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 19.2 x 13.2 cm (7 9,16 x 5 3,16 in.)

Book of Hours (Use of Rouen): fol. 108v, 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. 145v, 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. 152v, 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. 66v, 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 D: The Fool; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 133r, 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 Murder of Antiochus III. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Two Men Warming by a Fire; Zodiacal Sign of Pisces; 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.)

The Fall of Babylon. Unknown

Creusa Receiving the Burning Jewelry from Medea. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Initial I; 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. 62r, 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 Initial D. Unknown

Initial I: A Man Praying. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Perrot le Biernois Departing from Montferrant; 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.)

Initial K: An Angel Blowing a Trumpet. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

All Saints. Workshop of Willem Vrelant (Flemish, died 1481, active 1454 - 1481)

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

The Second Vessel: Death in the Sea; 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 P: David Addressing a Group; 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.)

Decorated Initial D; 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.)

Flagellation; 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.)

Unclean Spirits Issuing from the Mouths of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet; 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 G: The Way to Calvary; 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.)

Initial T: Bust Portrait of a Man Reading; Cristoforo Cortese (Italian, active Venice, Italy 1390 - 1445); Venice, Veneto, Italy; early 15th century; Tempera colors, pen and ink, and gold leaf on parchment bound between wood boards covered with red velvet; Leaf: 36.8 x 26 cm (14 1,2 x 10 1,4 in.)

Initial D: Christ as a Knight; 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.)

Tide book with seven historized initials whereby engravings are stuck in the eye of the initials, with decorated initials and pen work. .

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 239v, 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

Diagram with the Sun and the Phases of 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.)

Initial I: People Held Captive. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

The Fool and a Demon. Master of Jean de Mandeville (French, active 1350 - 1370)

The Massacre of the Sons of Lysimachus. Boucicaut Master or workshop (French, active about 1390 - 1430)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425), fol. 324v, 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

Leaf from Les Visions du chevalier Tondal.

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 212r, 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

Jean de Bonne Lance Defeating the English. Unknown

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

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 32r, 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 S: The Stigmatization of Saint Francis. Master of the Dresden Prayer Book or workshop (Flemish, active about 1480 - 1515)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 124r, 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; Ghent (written), Belgium; 1469; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 12.4 x 9.2 cm (4 7,8 x 3 5,8 in.)

Decorated Initial D; Westphalia, Germany; about 1500 - 1505; Tempera colors, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 38.7 x 27.9 cm (15 1,4 x 11 in.)

The Opening of the First Seal: The First Horseman. Unknown

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425), fol. 319v, 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 book was highly prized by its owner, Charles III, King of Navarre, a French-born prince whose coat of arms is painted on 20 folios. Charles visited Paris on numerous occasions and likely acquired this volume there in 1404. Paris was the center of the European book trade at the time and attracted illuminators from many parts of Europe. This manuscript represents one of the most remarkable fusions of French and Italian taste in book illumination. Though conforming to Parisian standards, most of the books major miniatures are the work of the Brussels Initials Master, an Italian illuminator who previously worked in Bologna and Padua.

Decorated Text Page; Antwerp (illuminated), 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 Text Page; Nicaea, Turkey; early 13th century; Tempera colors and gold leaf on parchment; Leaf: 20.6 x 14.9 cm (8 1,8 x 5 7,8 in.)

Initial D: David and the Fool; Paris, France; about 1250 - 1260; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 19.2 x 13.3 cm (7 9,16 x 5 1,4 in.)

Border with Joab Stabbing Abner; Simon Bening (Flemish, about 1483 - 1561); Bruges, Belgium; 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.)

Decorated Initial P. Circle of Stefan Lochner (German, died 1451)

Saint Martin Dividing his Cloak. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Initial D: Samuel Anointing David; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 91v, 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

Christ's Left Hand with Wound; 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.)

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

David in Prayer. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

of 4