Illuminated Manuscripts

Pages from historic manuscripts featuring intricate decorations, gold leaf, and religious themes, illustrating medieval artistry.

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.)

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.)

Saint Thomas with 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.)

Saint Catherine. 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.

Saint Peter with a Key; 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. 323v, 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 Matthew Seated. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Saint Nicholas Rescuing Three Youths from a Tub. Workshop of Willem Vrelant (Flemish, died 1481, active 1454 - 1481)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425), fol. 321r, 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 Pietà with Saint John the Evangelist. Master of the Llangattock Hours (Flemish, active about 1450 - 1460)

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 × 9.2 cm (4 7,8 × 3 5,8 in.)

Saint Christopher Carrying the Christ Child; 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 Catherine; 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 × 17.3 cm (10 1,16 × 6 13,16 in.)

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

Initial D: The Jewish Peoples Freed from Captivity. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Inhabited VD Monogram; 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. 273r, The Four Evangelists, 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, res

Leaf from a tidal book, anonymous, c. 1400 - c. 1449 drawing. manuscript France parchment (animal material). ink. watercolor (paint). deck paint. gold leaf pen / brush

Initial A: A Seated Man with a Rock Looking up to Heaven; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 251v, 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; 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 G: The Visitation; 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 E: A Hunter Killing a Boar; 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. 150r, 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 C: Two Men Speaking to Two Youths and A Man Lying on the Ground while Another Man Departs Carrying a Pitchfork.

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 30r, 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

Leaf from a psalm or tidal book, anonymous, c. 1450 - c. 1499 drawing. manuscript Northern France parchment (animal material). ink. watercolor (paint). deck paint. gold leaf pen / brush

Initial D: David as a Knight Holding a Sword; 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 S; 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: David Crushing the Devil Underfoot; 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 S: Three Men Speaking 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.)

Decorated Initial P; Sicily (probably), Italy; late 12th century; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 24.6 x 16.2 cm (9 11,16 x 6 3,8 in.)

Initial A: Moses Striking a Rock; 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.)

Saint James as a Pilgrim with a Purse and a Staff; 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 × 16.4 cm (9 1,4 × 6 7,16 in.)

Decorated Text Page; Ghent (written), Belgium; about 1471; 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 Partridge. 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.

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

Initial A: Three Children Led before their Parents while a Fourth Child Threatens a Man with a Sword.

Decorated Initial O; Inhabited Initial D. Unknown

Decorated Initial G. Master of Evert Zoudenbalch (Dutch, active 3rd quarter of 15th century)

Initial E: David Playing the Bells; 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.)

Initial B: A Saint Holding a Scroll; 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 D: God Crowning David; 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 A; 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.)

Initial O: A Saint Holding a Scroll; 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.)

John of Gaunt Giving a Letter from the Duke of Berry to a Messenger; 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. 127r, 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; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 141v, 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. 190v, 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 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; Antwerp (illuminated), Belgium; about 1471; 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 D: The Way to Calvary; Atelier of the Passion Master; 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: A Man Holding a Sword and Pointing to His Eyes; 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.)

Tondal's Soul Enters Hell, Accompanied by His Guardian Angel. Simon Marmion (Flemish, active 1450 - 1489)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 85v, 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. 63v, 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 E: Judas's Suicide; Bruges (possibly), Belgium; mid-1200s; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 23.5 x 16.5 cm (9 1,4 x 6 1,2 in.)

Initial D: The Crucifixion; 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 E: Christ 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: The Trinity; Georges Trubert (French, active Provence, France 1469 - 1508); Provence, France; about 1480 - 1490; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold and silver paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 11.4 x 8.6 cm (4 1,2 x 3 3,8 in.)

Missale: Fol. 208v: Ascension of Christ, 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 F: The Sacrifice of Elkanah; 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.)

Decorated Text Page; Ghent, Belgium; about 1510 - 1520; Tempera colors, gold, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 23.2 × 16.7 cm (9 1,8 × 6 9,16 in.)

Alfonso the Kind presiding over the Cortes held in Montblanc in 1330, from a manuscript of 'Llibre dels Usatges i Constitucions de Catalunya' - vellum. Author: ALBERT PERE. Location: ARCHIVO DE LA PAHERIA O MUNICIPAL. Lerida. SPAIN. ALFONSO IV DE ARAGON. ALFONSO IV EL BENIGNO.

Decorated Text Page; Paris, France; about 1410; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 19.1 x 14 cm (7 1,2 x 5 1,2 in.)

Initial B: An Eagle Pushing a Stone into a Fountain. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 84v, 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

Tondal Appears to be Dead. Date/Period: 1475. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment. Author: Simon Marmion.

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 115v, 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: Three Men Speaking to a Couple in the Presence of a Notary; 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. 187r, 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: A Kneeling Man Pointing to a Rock and Touching His Head. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Demetrius Nicator, King of Syria, Killed as He Attempts to Land at Tyre; Paris, France; about 1413-1415; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 42 × 29.6 cm (16 9,16 × 11 5,8 in.)

Initial A: A King Pointing to the Heavens and to the Ground. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

Decorated Initial S. Unknown

Initial D: Ecclesia Holding a Lance and Chalice. Bute Master (Franco-Flemish, active about 1260 - 1290)

King Mark with his Court; 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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 82v, 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. 132r, 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

Geronnet de Maudurant Returning to Montferrant. Unknown

Leaf from Les Visions du chevalier Tondal.

Jean de Bonne Lance Defeating the English; 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.)

The War between England and Scotland; 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.)

The French Book of Hours. Dated 15th Century

Initial B: David in Prayer; Probably Workshop of Ulrich Schreier (Austrian, about 1430 - 1490); or Vienna, 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.)

The Putrefaction of the Flesh of the Dying Emperor Galerius; Paris, France; 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.)

The Fifth Trumpet: The Angel of Destruction and the Locusts; 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.)

Manuscript Leaf with the Dedication of a Church in an Initial T, from a Gradual. Artist: Mariano del Buono (Italian, 1433-1504). Culture: Italian. Dimensions: Overall: 28 3/16 x 20 in. (71.6 x 50.8 cm)Illumination: 8 1/8 x 8 1/8 in. (20.7 x 20.7 cm)Stave Ht: 2 1/16 in. (5.3 cm)Stave interspace: 1 15/16 in. (5 cm)Mat size: 34 3/16 x 27 3/16 in. (86.9 x 69.1 cm). Date: second half 15th century.A prolific artist, Mariano del Buono's commissions include sacred books for both Christian and Jewish use. His painting on this large parchment leaf depicts the arrival of a pope at a church, and signals the beginning of the hymn sung at a special mass for the dedication of a church. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Initial A: Judith with the Head of Holofernes; 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 P: A Madman Healed After Touching the Body of Saint Anthony; Master of the Brussels Romuléon or workshop (Flemish, active about 1465); Brussels (probaby), Belgium; 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.)

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.)

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 13v, 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

Saint Margaret and a Dragon. Workshop of the Bedford Master (French, active first half of 15th century)

Virgin and Child; Master of the Chronique scandaleuse, French, active about 1493 - 1510; Paris, France, Europe; 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. 146r, 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

Missale: Fol. 327: Saint Bartholomew, 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.).

Hours of Charles the Noble, King of Navarre (1361-1425): fol. 163v, 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 John the Evangelist. Master of Jacques de Besançon (French, active about 1480 - 1500)

Initial Q: A Priest Stabbed by a Soldier. Date/Period: Ca. 1270 - 1280. Folio. Tempera colors, gold, and iron gall ink on parchment. Height: 170 mm (6.69 in); Width: 119 mm (4.68 in). Author: Bute Master.

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