Skip to main content

Manuscript Illumination Collection (#5)

"Manuscript Illumination: A Glimpse into the Artistry of the Ages" Step back in time and explore the captivating world of manuscript illumination

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Nativity of Christ (Manuscript illumination from the Matenadaran Gospel), 1314

The Nativity of Christ (Manuscript illumination from the Matenadaran Gospel), 1314. Found in the Collection of Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran), Yerevan

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Baptism of Christ. The Raising of Lazarus (Manuscript illumination from the Matenadaran Gospel)

The Baptism of Christ. The Raising of Lazarus (Manuscript illumination from the Matenadaran Gospel), 14th century. Found in the Collection of Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Book of the Dead, Papyrus of Ani. The Hall of Judgment, ca 1250 BC

The Book of the Dead, Papyrus of Ani. The Hall of Judgment, ca 1250 BC. Found in the Collection of British Museum

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Chludov Psalter. The Song Of Moses and Miriam, ca 850

The Chludov Psalter. The Song Of Moses and Miriam, ca 850. Found in the Collection of State History Museum, Moscow

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Illustration from the codex of the Cantigas de Santa Maria, c. 1280

Illustration from the codex of the Cantigas de Santa Maria, c. 1280. Found in the Collection of Monasterio de El Escorial

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Moses receiving the tablets of law (Miniature from the Moutier-Grandval Bible), ca 830-ca 840

Moses receiving the tablets of law (Miniature from the Moutier-Grandval Bible), ca 830-ca 840. Artist: Anonymous
Moses receiving the tablets of law (Miniature from the Moutier-Grandval Bible), ca 830-ca 840. Found in the collection of British Library

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Siege of the Castle of Mortagne, near Bordeaux, in 1377

The Siege of the Castle of Mortagne, near Bordeaux, in 1377 (aus Recueil des croniques d Engleterre Artist: Anonymous)
The Siege of the Castle of Mortagne, near Bordeaux, in 1377 (aus Recueil des croniques d Engleterre von Jean de Wavrin), ca. 1470-1480. Found in the collection of British Library

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Fall of Lucifer. From Book of Hours, c. 1500. Artist: Anonymous

The Fall of Lucifer. From Book of Hours, c. 1500. Artist: Anonymous
The Fall of Lucifer. From Book of Hours, c. 1500. Private Collection

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Wheel of Fortune (from an manuscript of Troy Book by John Lydgate), Mid of the 15th century

The Wheel of Fortune (from an manuscript of Troy Book by John Lydgate), Mid of the 15th century. Artist: Anonymous
The Wheel of Fortune (from an manuscript of Troy Book by John Lydgate), Mid of the 15th century. Found in the collection of John Rylands University Library

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Peasants ploughing (From the Luttrell Psalter), ca 1330. Artist: Anonymous

Peasants ploughing (From the Luttrell Psalter), ca 1330. Artist: Anonymous
Peasants ploughing (From the Luttrell Psalter), ca 1330. Found in the collection of British Library

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi)

The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Artist: Iranian master)
The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Found in the collection of The David Collection

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Faridun in the Guise of a Dragon Tests His Sons (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by)

Faridun in the Guise of a Dragon Tests His Sons (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by F Artist)
Faridun in the Guise of a Dragon Tests His Sons (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Private Collection

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Da ud Receives a Robe of Honor from Munim Khan (llustration from The Akbarnama), ca 1604

Da ud Receives a Robe of Honor from Munim Khan (llustration from The Akbarnama), ca 1604. Found in the collection of the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms Fr 112 f. 5 The Round Table and the Holy Grail, from the

Ms Fr 112 f. 5 The Round Table and the Holy Grail, from the
EDI188945 Ms Fr 112 f.5 The Round Table and the Holy Grail, from the Livre de Messire Lancelot du Lac, 1470 (vellum) by French School, (15th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; French

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms. Fr. 112 f. 5 Apparition of the Holy Grail, from the Queste del Saint Graal, c

Ms. Fr. 112 f. 5 Apparition of the Holy Grail, from the Queste del Saint Graal, c
XZL62888 Ms.Fr. 112 f.5 Apparition of the Holy Grail, from the Queste del Saint Graal, c.1470 (vellum) by French School, (15th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms. 149t. 3 fol. 175 v Charter of the Laws that Count Baudouin VI of Hainault Orders for

Ms. 149t. 3 fol. 175 v Charter of the Laws that Count Baudouin VI of Hainault Orders for
XIR156731 Ms. 149t.3 fol.175 v Charter of the Laws that Count Baudouin VI of Hainault Orders for the Peace of the Country of Hainault (vellum) by French School

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms 432 Temporal used by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Bruges

Ms 432 Temporal used by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Bruges
BMR215016 Ms 432 Temporal used by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Bruges, written by Sister Margarita Bruynewe, 1505 (vellum) by Wulfekkercke

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: A Lesson in Astronomy, from the Breviary of St. Louis, illustration from

A Lesson in Astronomy, from the Breviary of St. Louis, illustration from
XJF173292 A Lesson in Astronomy, from the Breviary of St. Louis, illustration from Science and Literature in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, written and engraved by Paul Lacroix

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Battle of Wesenberg on February 18, 1268, from the Illuminated Compiled Chronicle

The Battle of Wesenberg on February 18, 1268, from the Illuminated Compiled Chronicle
5642620 The Battle of Wesenberg on February 18, 1268, from the Illuminated Compiled Chronicle, second half of the 16th century (w/c on parchment) by Russian School (16th century); National Library

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms 432 Temporal used by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Bruges

Ms 432 Temporal used by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Bruges
BMR215014 Ms 432 Temporal used by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Bruges, written by Sister Margarita Bruynewe, 1505 (vellum) by Wulfekkercke

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms 432 Historiated initial A, from a temporal used by the Sisters of

Ms 432 Historiated initial A, from a temporal used by the Sisters of
BMR215015 Ms 432 Historiated initial A, from a temporal used by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Carmelites of Bruges, written by Sister Margarita Bruynewe

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms 134 August: Baking Bread, from a Book of Hours (vellum)

Ms 134 August: Baking Bread, from a Book of Hours (vellum)
XIR154614 Ms 134 August: Baking Bread, from a Book of Hours (vellum) by French School, (15th century); Bibliotheque Municipale, Angers, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ms. 2028 A Monk Writing, from Chroniques de Saint-Denis (vellum)

Ms. 2028 A Monk Writing, from Chroniques de Saint-Denis (vellum)
BMR169363 Ms.2028 A Monk Writing, from Chroniques de Saint-Denis (vellum) by French School, (15th century); Bibliotheque Mazarine, Paris

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Qazi of Hamadan and a Youth, early 17th century (opaque paint and gold on paper)

The Qazi of Hamadan and a Youth, early 17th century (opaque paint and gold on paper)
BRN196652 The Qazi of Hamadan and a Youth, early 17th century (opaque paint and gold on paper) by Persian School, (17th century); 39.1 x 28.6 cm; The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Battle of Auray on 29 September 1364 (Miniature from Compillation... c. 1480

The Battle of Auray on 29 September 1364 (Miniature from Compillation... c. 1480
The Battle of Auray on 29 September 1364 (Miniature from Compillation des cronicques et ystoires des Bretons), c. 1480. Found in the collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: First Battle of Panipat, 1526. Miniature from Baburnama, ca 1592. Creator: Anonymous

First Battle of Panipat, 1526. Miniature from Baburnama, ca 1592. Creator: Anonymous
First Battle of Panipat, 1526. Miniature from Baburnama, ca 1592. Found in the collection of British Library

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Manuel de confession, ca 1487-1488. Creator: Anonymous

Manuel de confession, ca 1487-1488. Creator: Anonymous
Manuel de confession, ca 1487-1488. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Mazarine, Paris

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Ars moriendi (The Art of Dying), 1496. Creator: Anonymous

Ars moriendi (The Art of Dying), 1496. Creator: Anonymous
Ars moriendi (The Art of Dying), 1496. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve, Paris

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Bible of Borso d Este, 1455-1461. Creator: Crivelli, Taddeo (1425-1479)

The Bible of Borso d Este, 1455-1461. Creator: Crivelli, Taddeo (1425-1479)
The Bible of Borso d Este, 1455-1461. Found in the Collection of Biblioteca Estense Universitaria, Modena

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Bible of Borso d Este, 1455-1461. Creator: Girolamo da Cremona, (Girolamo de Corradi)

The Bible of Borso d Este, 1455-1461. Creator: Girolamo da Cremona, (Girolamo de Corradi)
The Bible of Borso d Este, 1455-1461. Found in the Collection of Biblioteca Estense Universitaria, Modena

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Miniature of the Selection of astrological treasures by Rumi, ca 1273. Creator: Anonymous

Miniature of the Selection of astrological treasures by Rumi, ca 1273. Creator: Anonymous
Miniature of the Selection of astrological treasures by Rumi, ca 1273. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Sultan Sanjar and the Old Woman. (From a Manuscript of the Khamsa of Nizami), c. 1660

Sultan Sanjar and the Old Woman. (From a Manuscript of the Khamsa of Nizami), c. 1660. Private Collection

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Shah Jahan on a Terrace, 1627. Creator: Anonymous

Shah Jahan on a Terrace, 1627. Creator: Anonymous
Shah Jahan on a Terrace, 1627

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The capture of a town by Godfrey of Bouillon. Creator: Anonymous

The capture of a town by Godfrey of Bouillon. Creator: Anonymous
The capture of a town by Godfrey of Bouillon

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Miniature from the Le Roman de Renart, 13th century. Creator: Anonymous

Miniature from the Le Roman de Renart, 13th century. Creator: Anonymous
Miniature from the Le Roman de Renart, 13th century. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The pillory. From the Coutumes de Toulouse, 1295-1297. Creator: Anonymous

The pillory. From the Coutumes de Toulouse, 1295-1297. Creator: Anonymous
The pillory. From the Coutumes de Toulouse, 1295-1297. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Trial by combat, 15th century. Creator: Anonymous

Trial by combat, 15th century. Creator: Anonymous
Trial by combat. From Ceremonies des gages de bataille selon les constitutions du bon roi Philippe de France, 15th century. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Miniature from the L Image du Monde by Gossuin de Metz, 13th century. Creator: Anonymous

Miniature from the L Image du Monde by Gossuin de Metz, 13th century. Creator: Anonymous
Miniature from the L Image du Monde by Gossuin de Metz, 13th century. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Celestial spheres, planets and zodiacs. Miniature from the Livre des proprietes des choses, c

Celestial spheres, planets and zodiacs. Miniature from the Livre des proprietes des choses, c
Celestial spheres, planets and zodiacs. Miniature from the Livre des proprietes des choses by Bathelemy l Anglais, c. 1480. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Representation d acteurs, mimes et jongleurs

Representation d acteurs, mimes et jongleurs. Frontispice du manuscrit Terence dit de Martin Gouge, 1407. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Annunciation to the shepherds: country dance. From Heures de Charles d Angouleme, c

Annunciation to the shepherds: country dance. From Heures de Charles d Angouleme, c. 1480. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The Marriage. From: Renaud de Montauban, ca 1465. Creator: Aubert, David (active 1449-1480)

The Marriage. From: Renaud de Montauban, ca 1465. Creator: Aubert, David (active 1449-1480)
The Marriage. From: Renaud de Montauban, ca 1465. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque de l Arsenal

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: The monk sleeps with the wife while the husband is praying, 1460s. Creator: Anonymous

The monk sleeps with the wife while the husband is praying, 1460s. Creator: Anonymous
The monk sleeps with the wife while the husband is praying. Miniature from Le livre appelle Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, 1460s. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque de l Arsenal

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Corruption. Miniature from Le livre appelle Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, 1460s

Corruption. Miniature from Le livre appelle Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio, 1460s. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque de l Arsenal

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Bal des Ardents (Miniature from the Grandes Chroniques de France by Jean Froissart), 15th century

Bal des Ardents (Miniature from the Grandes Chroniques de France by Jean Froissart), 15th century. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque de l Arsenal

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Illustration from Les premieres ?uvres de Jacques de Vaulx, pillote en la marine, 1583

Illustration from Les premieres ?uvres de Jacques de Vaulx, pillote en la marine, 1583
Illustration from " Les premieres ?uvres de Jacques de Vaulx, pillote en la marine", 1583. Found in the Collection of Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Persian nobles hunting, c. 1650. Artist: Iranian master

Persian nobles hunting, c. 1650. Artist: Iranian master
Persian nobles hunting, c. 1650. From a private collection

Background imageManuscript Illumination Collection: Kay Kaus, King of Persia, captured by the King of Hamavaran (Manuscript illumination

Kay Kaus, King of Persia, captured by the King of Hamavaran (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi), 1580. From a private collection




For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"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.