Manuscript Illumination Collection (#31)

ZODIAC SIGN: LIBRA, c1350. Manuscript illumination, Polish, mid-14th century, for Al-Sufis Book of Fixed Stars, written in Arabic, c964

ZODIAC SIGN: VIRGO, c1350. Manuscript illumination, Polish, mid-14th century, for Al-Sufis Book of Fixed Stars, written in Arabic, c964

ELEPHANT & TRAINER, c1750. The elephant Dilbadal chasing his trainer. Indian manuscript illumination, Mewar, c1750

ISABELLA OF BAVARIA (1370-1435). Queen of Charles VI of France, 1389-1422. Isabella entering Paris, France. Manuscript illumination, French, 15th century

DEPORTATION OF JEWS. King Salmanazar V of Assyria taking ten tribes of Jews prisoners and deporting them from Samaria to Assyria, 721 B.C

MARCO POLO: RUBY HUNTERS. Marco Polo and the ruby hunters of Badakshan. Miniature, early 15th century, from the Livre de Merveilles

SONG OF ROLAND, 778 A. D. Roland, Charlemagnes nephew and the favorite of his twelve paladins
SONG OF ROLAND, 778 A.D. Roland, Charlemagnes nephew and the favorite of his twelve paladins, attacked with other Frankish forces (right) at Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees in 778 A.D

WARFARE: SIEGE OF ARRAS. The siege of the city of Arras by the King of France during the Hundred Years War. Illumination from the Chroniques d Enguerrand de Monstrelet, 15th century

CANTERBURY TALES. A page from the Lansdowne manuscript of Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales, c1410

SPAIN: MEDIEVAL BALLGAME. Batter, pitcher, and fielders in a Spanish game similar to modern baseball. Manuscript illumination, 13th century, from the Cantigas de Alfonso X

KNIGHT. The minnesinger Albrecht Marschall von Rapperswil in a tournament: illumination from the early 14th century great Heidelberg Lieder ms

A COURT FOOL. After an illumination from a 15th century French manuscript

VIKING INVASION, 919. Viking warriors landing at Gu rande on the coast of Brittany in 919 A. D
VIKING INVASION, 919. Viking warriors landing at Gu© rande on the coast of Brittany in 919 A.D. French manuscript illumination on vellum, c1100

SONG OF ROLAND, 778 A. D. The death of Roland (in gold armor), the nephew of Charlemagne
SONG OF ROLAND, 778 A.D. The death of Roland (in gold armor), the nephew of Charlemagne and the most celebrated of the emperors twelve paladins, at the Battle of Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees

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"Manuscript Illumination: A Glimpse into the Artistry of the Ages" Step back in time and explore the captivating world of manuscript illumination, where intricate illustrations breathe life into ancient texts. From epic tales to religious scriptures, these illuminated masterpieces offer a visual feast for the eyes, transporting us to different eras and cultures. In Dante's Divine Comedy frontispiece, we witness the poet himself immersed in his visionary journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. The Battle of Agincourt unfolds before our eyes as archers take their stance against cavalry in a French manuscript from the 15th century. The Lindisfarne Gospels reveal Saint Matthew's portrait with meticulous detail dating back to 700 AD. Turning its pages further reveals St. John's Gospel beginning before 698 AD - a testament to enduring craftsmanship. Traveling across France's Loire Valley, we stumble upon an enchanting grape harvest at Chateau de Saumur depicted in Jean Duke of Berry's Tres Riches Heures manuscript from the 15th century. This vibrant scene captures both nature's bounty and human labor intertwined harmoniously. Delving deeper into history, a 13th-century French Bible presents God as the great Architect of the Universe through breathtaking illumination. Each stroke conveys divine majesty while inviting contemplation on humanity's place within creation. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales beckon us with their prologue adorned by delicate artistry that sets the stage for storytelling brilliance. Meanwhile, The Book of Dead takes us back over three millennia ago to Ancient Egypt when Hunefer sought guidance for his afterlife journey. King David serenades us with his harp in a miniature illumination from late 13th-century France – an ode to music’s timeless power transcending centuries. Sir Gawain faces temptation by Lady Bercilak while beheading the Green Knight in another mesmerizing manuscript, showcasing the allure of Arthurian legends.