Medieval Miniatures

Vibrant miniatures from illuminated manuscripts displaying key historical events, portraying figures in colorful attire with intricate backgrounds.

Anthony Woodville and William Caxton presenting the first printed book in English to King Edward IV

Miniature from a book of hours: infanticide, draughtsman: anonymous, 1475 - 1500, parchment (animal material), brush, h 94 mm × w 65 mm

Charles VII surrounded by his military leaders, Richemomd, Bureau, Rouault and the Pulzella (Joan of Arc), miniature from The Life of Charles VII by Jean Chartier, manuscript folio 1, France 15th Century.

GUESCLIN, Bertrand du (1315-1380). French general supporting Charles V of France. He fought against the English army and supported Henry of Trastamara in his war against Pedro the Cruel. Bertrand Duguesclin kneeling in front of Charles V of France. Gothic art. Miniature Painting. FRANCE. HAUTE-NORMANDIE. SEINE-MARITIME. Rouen. Bibliothque Municipale (Municipal Library).

Colored woodcut by Albrecht Dürer from 1501 showing Conrad Celtis presenting Elector Friedrich III of Saxony, with references to the works of Roswitha.

MTI1-CANTIGA STA MARIA-Nº78-F115V-E-ARROJAN AL FUEGO A UN CALUMNIADOR-HORNO DE CAL-S XIII. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

King Avenir, Josaphat, and Nachor Behold Hour Manna Fell in the Desert; Follower of Hans Schilling (German, active 1459 - 1467), from the Workshop of Diebold Lauber (German, active 1427 - 1467); Hagenau, Alsace, France (formerly Germany); 1469; Ink, colored washes, and tempera colors on paper; Leaf: 28.6 x 20.3 cm (11 1,4 x 8 in.)

The Dauphin returns to Paris, June 1418, (1484). Artist: Unknown

Anthony Woodville and William Caxton presenting the first printed book in English to King Edward IV

The Author Presents his Book to the Councillors of Barcelona in the Presence of Queen Maria, Wife of Alfonso V, from the 'Comentaris dels Usatges de Catalunya - 1448 - vellum. Author: Bernat Martorell (d. 1452). Location: MUSEE HISTORIQUE, BARCELONA, SPAIN. Also known as: LA REINA MARIA DE ARAGON (1361-1399) ESPOSA DE MARTIN EL JOVEN CON SUS CONSEJEROS-LIBRO DE COMENTARIOS A LOS USATGES.

This late 15th-century colored cut by an anonymous artist depicts the fair of St. Gregor, showing market figures, stalls, and period activities in a medieval European setting.

Josaphat before the Baptismal Font with a Tonsured Cleric; Follower of Hans Schilling (German, active 1459 - 1467), from the Workshop of Diebold Lauber (German, active 1427 - 1467); Hagenau, Alsace, France (formerly Germany); 1469; Ink, colored washes, and tempera colors on paper; Leaf: 28.6 x 20.3 cm (11 1,4 x 8 in.)

Entry of King Charles VII of France, into the city of Paris 1437. Arrivée de Charles VII à la Bastille (Vigiles de Charles VII, Manuscrit Français 5054, fol. 16). by Martial d'Auvergne, illumination end of the book Vigils of Charles VII, Paris, France, XV century. Henry of Marle, seigneur de Presles, was chancellor of France under king Charles VI from 1413 to 1418.

MARTORELL , BERNAT. PINTOR ESPAÑOL. MUERE EN EL AÑO 1452. " SALTIRI FERIAL I HORES ", SIGLO XVI. MINIATURA LETRA CAPITULAR. ARCHIVO HISTORICO DE LA CIUDAD. BARCELONA. MUSICA.

The Capture of Acre by the Crusaders (1191) during the First Crusade. From 'Speculum Majus' by Vincent de Beauvais (c1190-1264) French Dominican monk and encyclopaedist.. 15th century manuscript. Chantilly Library.

Assassination scene. Master of Trinity College Ms. B.11.7 (English, active about 1410 - 1425)

Bible de Maciejowski. Date/Period: Ca. 1245. Illumination on parchment. Width: 300 mm. Height: 390 mm. Author: UNKNOWN.

A servant brings Iseult a message, miniature from Roman de Tristan by Thomas of Britain, manuscript, France 15th Century.

fol. 130r, 1390

MTI1-CANTIGA STA MARIA Nº194-F255V-A-UN JUGLAR VENIA DEL CAMPO Y SE ALOJA EN CASA DE CABALLERO CATAL. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

'Codex Iustiniani' or 'Justinian Codex' (1350). The payment of the gabelle. Bolognese school. Gothic art. Miniature Painting. ITALY. PIEDMONT. Turin. National Library of the Turin University.

Feast at the King's court, miniature from the Holy Grail story, manuscript 527, folio 1, France 15th Century.

Illustration from the Decretum Gratiani by Gratian, Ms.239. 12th. Museum: Biblioteca Capitular de Tortosa.

Soldiers Leading a Prisoner from a Walled City; Attributed to Maître François (French, active about 1460 - 1480); Paris, France; about 1460 - 1470; Tempera colors, gold leaf, and gold paint on parchment; Leaf: 18.1 x 12.1 cm (7 1,8 x 4 3,4 in.)

Theater with Cybele, 1578. Theater with Cybele. On the opposite page a cartouche with the verse that stood above the scene. Theater performance during the arrival of Matthias in Brussels, January 18, 1578.

Digestum vetus, by Master of 1328, 14th Century, illuminated manuscript. Italy, Piemonte, Turin, National Library. Detail. Folio 91. A medieval town market illuminated page text square illustration: picture men small figures market stalls barrels wine seller scales sale merchants buyers horse angel houses square architectures build.

JUAN SIN MIEDO DUQUE DE BORGONA RECIBE HOMENAJE 1410 - MINIATURA. JUAN SIN MIEDO. JUAN I DUQUE DE BORGOÑA.

Aeneas arrives at Carthage while the city is being rebuilt by Dido, its Queen

Albert I (1255-1308), also known as Albert of Habsburg, was the eldest son of King Rudolf I, and was made landgrave of Swabia in 1273, looking over his father's possessions in Alsace. He was then made Duke of Austria and Styria in 1283, alongside his younger brother Rudolf II. When his father died without managing to secure Albert's election as successor, he was forced to recognise the sovereignty of the elected King Adolf of Nassau. Albert did not abandon his hopes for the German crown however, biding his time and working with Adolf's enemies and former allies to eventually have him deposed in 1298, with Albert elected as king in his place. He fought and slew Adolf at the Battle of Gollheim when he refused to give up power.

SAN LUIS VENERA LAS RELIQUIAS DE NUESTRO SENOR(LUIS IX STO REY FRANCIA). LOUIS IX OF FRANCE. SAN LUIS IX REY DE FRANCIA. LUIS IX SANTO REY.

Folio 91r, 1390

Manuscript Illumination with Initial Q, from a Choir Book first half 15th century North Italian. Manuscript Illumination with Initial Q, from a Choir Book. North Italian. first half 15th century. Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment. Manuscripts and Illuminations

Larcia accuses St Denis, 1317. Larcia, a pagan, denounced the saint and his companions, and was later converted. Manuscript illustration from a work on the life of St Denis (died c258 AD), written by Yves, a monk at the Abbey of St Denis. The book depicts the torture and martyrdom of the saint by the Roman governor Fescenninus Sisinnius. The lower scene depicts people on the bridge over the River Seine; showing six men pulling a barrel on a sledge, a water carrier, and a man fishing with a rod. From the collection of the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. The artist is unknown.

CISNEROS, CARDENAL (FRANCISCO XIMENEZ DE) ECLESIASTICO Y POLITICO ESPA¿OL. TORRELAGUNA 1416-1517 " MISAL RICO DEL CARDENAL CISNEROS " ESCRIBANO: GONZALO DE CORDOBA, 1503-1518 LETRA CAPITULAR ( P ) . NATIVIDAD ESCENA DEL PORTAL DE BELEN VIRGEN MARIA. SAN JOSE BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL. MADRID.

LIBRO DE LOS CABALLEROS DE LA ORDEN DE SANTIAGO - 1361 - FOLIO 52 V - DIAZ ARCEO. Location: ARCHIVO MUNICIPAL. BURGOS. SPAIN. DIAZ DE ARCEO JUAN. DIAZ DE ARCEO PERO. DIAZ DE ARCEO ALONSO. DIAZ DE ARCEO IÑIGO.

France, Stories of David, miniature from the Latin Bible (folio 122) of the Abbey of Mont Saint-Eloi

The Virgin and Child Enthroned; Master of James IV of Scotland, Flemish, before 1465 - about 1541; Bruges, Belgium, Europe; 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.), Justification: 10.9 x 7.4 cm (4 5/16 x 2 15/16 in.)

Jean Fouquet, Torment of Jacob

The Crowning with Thorns; 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.)

M.B.I.2- CANTIGA STA MARIA-Nº1-F29R-CODICE DE LOS MUSICOS-ALFONSO X CON ESCRIBAS CABALLEROS Y MUSI. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

MTI1-CANTIGA DE SANTA MARIA Nº2 - F7R - MILAGRO DE SAN ILDELFONSO - 2ª VIÑETA DE LA 1ª FILA - SIGLO XIII - Cj 16619 - F. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN. SAN ILDEFONSO. SISEBERTO.

Colored pen drawing from 1420-1430 depicting an act of submission, illustrating figures, gestures, and relational dynamics in a historical scene.

FEDERICO III RECEIVES FROM G.BLANCHINI "FABULAS ASTROLOGICAS". Author: ESCUELA DE FERRARA. Location: BIBLIOTECA. FERRARA. ITALIA.

Count of Toulouse Raymond VII submitting to the King of France Louis IX

Miracle at Seefeld. Dated: 1484. Medium: woodcut, hand-colored in red, blue, yellow, purple, brown, gray, and lavender. Museum: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC. Author: German 15th Century.

The Knights Templar Burned in the Presence of Philip the Fair and His Courtiers by Boucicaut Master, (Master of the Hours for Marshal Boucicaut) (active 1405-1420) J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles ca 1413-1415 Tempera and gold on parchment France G

fol. 18v, 1390

J. Fouquet, Birth of St.John the Baptist

A colored pen drawing from 1420-1430 showing a scene of instruction of the people, depicting figures, gestures, and interaction.

Euryalus Sends His First Letter to Lucretia. Date/Period: Ca. 1460 - 1470. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment. Height: 176 mm (6.92 in); Width: 114 mm (4.48 in). Author: UNKNOWN.

MS.B.R.20- CANTIGA STA MARIA-Nº 239-F23-B-UN HOMBRE DE MURCIA JURA FALSAMENTE SOBRE EL ALTAR. Author: Alfonso X of Castile. Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL COLECCIÓN. Florenz. ITALIA.

Julius. July: Book magazine: elegantly dressed lady and gentleman, sitting in a departure on a couch. Two children with them. Three figures behind them. In oval list, which is caught in ornamental architectural picture frame with a lion in the middle. In cartouche 4-arrangy French caption over the forty-year age of man and the month of July. Verso: Calendar

Tacuinum Sanitatis. 14th century. Medieval handbook of health. Establishment. Selling salt. Miniature. Fol. 62v.

fine arts, middle ages, miniature, Council of Constance, 1414 - 1418, investiture of Johann of Nassau to Archbishop of Mainz and of count Adolf II to Duke of Cleves, 1417, Chronicle of Ulrich von Richenthal, 15th century, Rosgarten Museum, Konstanz,

Gargano wounded by an arrow, altarpiece of the saints archangels, Gabriel Moger, 1407, tempera on wood, Puig de Pollensa monastery of the virgin Mary, Majorca, Spain.

Georges Chastelain (ca. 1405-1475). Burgundian chronicler and poet. Georges Chastelain offering his book to Charles, Duke of Burgundy. Chromolithography after a 15th century miniature from "L'Instruction d'un jeune prince", by G. Chastelain. Sciences & Lettres au Moyen Age et a l'epoque de la Renaissance. Paris, 1877.

Illumination from the 14th Century Codex Manesse; 12th century poet Spervogel offering his poetry to the King

Count Rudolf von Fenis-Neuenburg, Swiss poet died in the 12th century, meditating with a roll of parchment. Codex Manesse (ca.1300) by Rudiger Manesse and his son Johannes. Miniature. Folio 20r. University of Heidelberg. Library. Germany.

Ptolemy (Claudius of Ptolemaeus c90-158) Alexandrian Greek astronomer and geographer making observations using a quadrant. Wrongly depicted as a king. British Museum

Probably born in Venice around 1254 CE, Marco Polo was raised by his aunt and uncle after his mother died. His father, Niccolo, was a Venetian merchant who left before Marco was born to trade in the Middle East. Niccolo and his brother Maffeo passed through much of Asia and met with Mongol emperor Kublai Khan who reportedly invited them to be ambassadors. In 1269, Niccolo and Maffeo returned to Venice, meeting Marco for the first time. In 1271, Marco Polo, aged 17, with his father and his uncle, set off for Asia, travelling through Constantinople, Baghdad, Persia, Kashgar, China and Burma. They returned to Venice 24 years and 15,000 miles later with many riches. Upon their return, Venice was at war with Genoa, and Marco Polo was imprisoned. He spent the few months of his imprisonment dictating his adventures to a fellow inmate, Rustichello da Pisa, who incorporated the tales into a book he called 'The Travels of Marco Polo'. The book documented the use of paper money and the burning of

Inprisoned woman by Cristoforo Majorana, Watercolor on parchment, 1485-1499, active circa 1480-1494, Usa, California, The Huntington, 16,6x9,3

LIBRO DE LOS CASTIGOS DEL REY SANCHO IV DE CASTILLA - "LA MONEDA DEL CESAR" - FOL 18V - SIGLO XIII. Author: Sancho IV of Castile the Brave (1258-1295). Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL-COLECCION, MADRID, SPAIN.

Knights departing, miniature from the Entree d'Espagne manuscript, 14th Century.

John the Good (Jean le Bon) creating the Order of the Star, miniature from the Great Chronicles of France manuscript, France 15th Century.

The Stigmatization of Saint Francis; Taddeo Crivelli (Italian, died about 1479, active about 1451 - 1479); 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.)

Alexander Fights with a Lion and Kills Clitus; Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolation and assistant, Flemish, active 3rd quarter of 15th century; Lille (written), France, Europe; about 1470 - 1475; Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment; Leaf: 43.2 x 33 cm (17 x 13 in.)

Table of Affinity. Unknown

MINIATURA-EL REY ROBERTO CON EL DUQUE DE NORMANDIA. Author: ANTOINE VERARD (IMPRESOR). Location: NATIONAL LIBRARY. France.

Second Crusade (1147-1149). Louis VII of France. Illustration depicting ' Romance de Ogier le Danois', designed in Paris by Antoine Verard (1498). Gothic art. Miniature Painting. ITALY. PIEDMONT. Turin. National Library of the Turin University.

Saint Denis Holding His Head; Master of Sir John Fastolf, French, active before about 1420 - about 1450; or England, Europe; 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.)

Historiated Initial (P) Excised from a Bible, 1200s. Italy, 13th century. Tempera and gold on parchment; sheet: 5.2 x 4.2 cm (2 1/16 x 1 5/8 in.).

Battle with the Cushites / Illumination

LIBRO DE HORAS-ADORACION DE LOS REYES. Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL-COLECCION. MADRID. SPAIN.

A woman is condemned to death for killing her baby, miniature from Magnus Eriksson's National Law in the Codex Aboensis, 1450, manuscript, Sweden.

LIBRO DE LA PROPIEDAD DE LAS COSAS -ANGELES-. Location: MUSEO LAZARO GALDIANO-COLECCION. MADRID. SPAIN.

Marginal illustration of a tournament from a Book of Hours. Dated 15th Century

Medieval cheese preparation, illustrated in Tacuinum (Taccuinum) Sanitatis, a medieval handbook mainly on health, based on the Taqwim as-sihhah, an eleventh-century Arab medical treatise by Ibn Butlan of Baghdad. This Taccuinum dates to the early 15th century and is Italian in origin. circa 1531.

TUMBO A - FOL 28V - RAIMUNDO DE BORGOA NOBLE FRANCES MARIDO DE DOA URRACA Y PADRE DE ALFONSO VII - AOS DE 1125 A 1255. Location: CATEDRAL-BIBLIOTECA, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, CORUA, SPAIN.

Illuminated manuscript depicting a scene at the Library at the University of Bologna

H INDIAS DEL NORTE-MOZTEZUMA SOCORRE VECINOS. Author: DIEGO DURAN DIEGO (1537-1588). Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL-COLECCION. MADRID. SPAIN. MOCTEZUMA II.

Samson / Ehud / Book illus.

JAIME I EL CONQUISTADOR PRESIDIENDO SESION DE CORTES - CONSTITUCIONES DE CATALUÑA - MONASTERIO DE SANT CUGAT DEL VALLES - MINIATURA DE 1495. Location: ARCHIVO DE LA CORONA DE ARAGON. Barcelona. SPAIN. JAMES I OF ARAGON. JAIME II DE VALENCIA. JAIME I DE ARAGON EL CONQUISTADOR (1208-76).

Gautier 'Mort d'Arthur' Sir Lancelot of the Lake, Search for the Holy Grail. 14th century manuscript. Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

King Sigismund and Queen Barbara (Slovenian: Barbara Celjska, Hungarian: Cillei Borbála) or Barbara of Cilli), right, and daughter, Queen Elisabeth of Luxembourg (wife of Albrecht II. HRR), left) on the train to Münster, circa 1440

Frontal del altar de Santa Perpètua de Moguda, siglo XIV. Museum: Museu Diocesà, Barcelona.

CHARLES VII of France (1403-1461). King of France (1422-1461), Valois dynasty. Illustration of Grandes Chroniques de France' (14th century). The author giving his work to the king. Gothic art. Miniature Painting. FRANCE. CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE. MARNE. Reims. Bibliothque Municipale (Municipal Library).

Christ before Caiaphas; 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.)

A colored pen drawing from 1420-1430 depicting walkers, showing human figures in motion, posture, and environment.

Roman de la Rose. Medieval French poem. It was started by Guillaume de Lorris, c. 1230 but continued only some 40 years later by Jean de Meun. Miniature of the 14th century depicting the Lover Guillaume entering into the Garden of Love with the "Idle Lady". Library of the University of Valencia, Spain.

Charles the Bold Presented by Saint George. Date/Period: Ca. 1471. Folio. Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, silver paint, and ink on parchment. Height: 124 mm (4.88 in); Width: 92 mm (3.62 in). Author: Lieven van Lathem.

Libro de Los Caballeros de Santiago V70. Museum: ARCHIVO DE LA CATEDRAL BURGOS ESPAÑA.

Cutting from Digestum vetus.

LIBRO HORAS DE CARLOS VIII DE FRANCIA 1483-1498. LUIS XII O CARLOS VIII PROTEGIDO POR CARLOMAGNO. Author: JACQUES DE BESANÇON (S XV)-COPISTA. Location: BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL-COLECCION. MADRID. SPAIN.

The Surgeon's Clinic 15th C. Guy de Chauliac (15th C.) Manuscript Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France

BERNAT I "EL TALLAFERRO". (988-1020). Conde de Besalú. "BERNAT I HACE DONACION A SU HIJO GUILLEM "EL GRAS" (1020-1052), DE LOS CASTILLOS DE TAUTAVEL Y DE PENA". Miniatura del folio 61 v. "LIBER FEUDORUM MAIOR". Códice del siglo XII (1192-1196). Archivo de la Corona de Aragón. Barcelona. Cataluña.

Wheel of Fortune. Medieval iconography about the allegory of the inconstancy of fate. This wheel raises characters to the glory, lowering them after it. Miniature, 15th century. The Fortune deciding the fate of Alexander the Great. Chronique la Bouquechardiere (1416-1422). Conde Museum, Chateau de Chantilly, France.

Judas Receiving the Thirty Pieces of Silver; 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.)

LIBRO DE JUEGOS O LIBRO DEL AJEDREZ DADOS Y TABLAS - 1283 - FOLIO 72R - DETALLE DE UN ESCRIBA REAL SENTADO EN EL SUELO - Conj nº 90120. Author: ALFONSO X EL SABIO (1221-1284). Location: MONASTERIO-BIBLIOTECA-COLECCION. SAN LORENZO DEL ESCORIAL. MADRID. SPAIN.

King Avenir Converses with his Courtiers; Follower of Hans Schilling (German, active 1459 - 1467), from the Workshop of Diebold Lauber (German, active 1427 - 1467); Hagenau, Alsace, France (formerly Germany); 1469; Ink, colored washes, and tempera colors on paper; Leaf: 28.6 x 20.3 cm (11 1,4 x 8 in.)

John Damascene with a Rosary before an Altar; Follower of Hans Schilling (German, active 1459 - 1467), from the Workshop of Diebold Lauber (German, active 1427 - 1467); Hagenau, Alsace, France (formerly Germany); 1469; Ink, colored washes, and tempera colors on paper; Leaf: 28.6 x 20.3 cm (11 1,4 x 8 in.)

Inset depicting the capture of Jesus, panel from the Armadio degli Argenti (Silver Chest) with the life of Jesus, 1451-1453, by Giovanni da Fiesole known as Fra Angelico (1400-ca 1455), tempera on wood.

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