Decorated initial from BL YT 26, f. 7v
Detail of a decorated initial 'P'(rincipium), from Chapter 2 of Bede's prose Life of St Cuthbert. Image taken from f. 7v of Prose Life of Cuthbert; extracts from the Historia Ecclesiastica (History of the Engli... More
Philosophy visiting Boethius from BL Harley 2688, f. 22v
Drawing of Philosophy visiting Boethius in prison. Image taken from f. 22v of Miscellany, including a wind rose (f. 17), a Greek and Latin grammatical list (ff. 19-22), and an excerpt from the 'Proverbia Salomo... More
Samson from BL Harley 2803, f. 111v
Detail of drawing of Samson carrying of the gates of Gaza. Image taken from f. 111v of Bible (the 'Worms Bible') (index Frankenthal Bible), Genesis to Job. Written in Latin.
The Crucifixion from BL Eg 1139, f. 8
Miniature of the Crucifixion. Image taken from f. 8 of Psalter (The 'Melisende Psalter') with canticles, prayers, and litany. Written in Latin.
The Ascension: Christ ascends into heaven above the apostles
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
City Romorantin from BL Arundel 263, f. 270v
Notes and diagrams on a new royal residence in the city of Romorantin; sketch of a man's head in profile. Image taken from f. 270v of Notebook ('The Codex Arundel'). Written in Italian.
Knights from BL Royal 19 E III, f. 70
Detail of a miniature of four knights on horseback sent by Britus reaching a castle. Image taken from f. 70 of Perceforest (Anciennes croniques Dangleterre, faictz et gestes du roy Perceforest, et des chevalier... More
f. 160v, displayed as an open bifolium with f. 159: diagrams from BL A...
Notes and diagrams. Image taken from f. 160v of Notebook ('The Codex Arundel'). Written in Italian.
Sketches and diagrams from BL Arundel 263, f. 223v
Notes and diagrams. Image taken from f. 223v of Notebook ('The Codex Arundel'). Written in Italian.
From Edred to the descendants of Ethelred the Unready from BL Royal 14...
Detail from the roll of the genealogical line from Edred to the descendants of Ethelred the Unready: Edmund Ironside, Alfred and Edward the Confessor. Image taken from Membrane 3 of Genealogical roll of the kin... More
James and John from BL YT 36, f. 174
Detail of a miniature of Dante being examined by James and John, with Christ and angels looking on. Image taken from f. 174 of Divina Commedia (index Divine Comedy). Written in Italian.
Guido del Duca from BL Eg 943, f. 87v
Framed miniature of Dante talking to Guido del Duca with the souls of the envious. Image taken from f. 87v of Divina Commedia (index Divine Comedy): Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso, with a short Latin commentary;... More
Prowess and Boldness from BL Royal 14 E II, f. 103v
Detail of a miniature of Prowess and Boldness as soldiers addressing a group of women, following a rubric, 'Comment proesse et hardement se partirent et alerent devers les sept dames'; with a lozenge bearing a ... More
Detail: David kneels before God from BL YT 20, f. 385v
Miniature of David kneeling before God, in the Bible Historiale. Image taken from f. 385v of Bible Historiale, 1st part (Genesis-Maccabees). Written in French.
Caesar in battle from BL Royal 16 G VII, f. 284v
Detail of a miniature of Caesar in battle. Image taken from f. 284v of Les anciennes hystoires rommaines (A compilation of ancient history in two parts, each preceded by a table of contents: Part 1, l'Histoire ... More
Jean de Courcy from BL Royal 14 E II, f. 133
Detail of a miniature of the author, Jean de Courcy, riding a horse, following a rubric, 'Cy parle l'acteur d'ung autre destroit par ou il suy convenoit passer'. Image taken from f. 133 of Le chemin de Vaillanc... More
Matilda and Henry I from BL Royal 14 B VI, Membrane 5
Detail from the roll of queen Maud (or Matilda of Scotland) and Henry I. Image taken from Membrane 5 of Genealogical roll of the kings of England. Written in French.
Arms of England from BL Royal 14 E I, f. 3
Detail of the arms of England, from the lower margin of the folio. Image taken from f. 3 of Le miroir historial (a French translation of the Speculum historiale) books 1-5. Written in French.
Zodiac man from BL Sloane 442, f. 36
Drawing of a man with zodiac signs marked. Image taken from f. 36 of Medical miscellany, including the English version of Gibertus Anglicus's Compendium medicinae; a regimen for diet and bloodletting (ff. 61v-6... More
Arms of Henry VII from BL Royal 19 B XVI, f. 1v
Miniature of the royal arms of England of Henry VII supported by a white greyhound and a red dragon, and hung on a hawthorn bush, surmounted by a crown, with an inscription 'VIVE LE NOBLE ROY HENRY'. Image take... More
Le Jouvencel reviewing his prisoners. from BL Royal 16 F I, f. 173v
Detail of miniature of Le Jouvencel with prisoners Image taken from f. 173v of Le Jouvencel (index Jennencel), imperfect at end. Written in French.
Nativity from BL Harley 4382, f. 159
Detail of a miniature of the Nativity of Christ. Image taken from f. 159 of Bible historiale (vol. 2). Written in French.
Monk from BL Harley 4399, f. 54
Detail of a miniature of a monk meeting two women riding on the back of another woman. Image taken from f. 54 of Pèlerinage de vie humaine (index Pelerinage de vie humaine, Pilgrimage of the life of man). Writt... More
Genealogical diagram from BL Eg 1500, f. 4v
Drawing of heads of rulers in a genealogical diagram. Image taken from f. 4v of Abbreviamen de las Estorias (begins imperfectly), or Chronologia magna. Written in French (Provençal dialect).
Heaven of Venus from BL YT 36, f. 142
Detail of a miniature of Dante and Beatrice ascending the heaven of Venus. Image taken from f. 142 of Divina Commedia (index Divine Comedy). Written in Italian.
Griffins carrying Alexander from BL Royal 20 A V, f. 70v
Miniature of griffins carrying Alexander into the heavens. Image taken from f. 70v of Roman d'Alexandre en Prose, imperfect at the end (index Le Livre et la vraye hystoire du bon roy Alixandre, Alexander Romanc... More
Beavers from BL Harley 4751, f. 9v
Detail of a miniature of beavers (Castor) with hunters, illustrating the text that the beavers' testicles had healing properties, and that the animals would bite them off in order to escape capture. Image taken... More
Caladrius from BL Harley 4751, f. 40
Detail of a miniature of a caladrius perching at the bedside of a king, illustrating the text that states that the bird has the power to foretell whether an ill patient will live or die. If the bird turns its... More
Pygmalion kneeling before the statue from BL Royal 19 B XIII, f. 138v
Detail of a miniature of Pygmalion kneeling before the statue. Image taken from f. 138v of Roman de la Rose. Written in French.
Giovanni Boccaccio - Arachne weaving from BL Royal 20 C V, f. 30v, ill...
Detail of a miniature of Arachne weaving on a band loom, holding a sword beater, used to tamp down row of weft after it goes across the warp. Image taken from f. 30v of Des cleres et nobles femmes, De claris mu... More
Blank page from BL Arundel 263, f. 224v
Blank page. Image taken from f. 224v of Notebook ('The Codex Arundel'). Written in Italian.
Dante and Virgil meet Statius. from BL Eg 943, f. 100v
Framed miniature of Statius speaking to Dante and Virgil, explaining them the reasons of the Earthquake: this happens every time a penitent soul becomes completely purged and ready to ascend to Heaven, Canto X... More
Charles VI of France from BL Royal 14 D VI, f. 161
Detail of a miniature of Charles VI, king of France, and his army entering a castle. Image taken from f. 161 of Chroniques. Written in French.
Pentecost: the Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the apostles
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
The massacre of the Innocents: Herod orders his men to go to Bethlehem
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
The parable of Dives and poor Lazarus: Lazarus is starving at the gate
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Ascension of Christ from BL Royal 19 A XXII, f. 21
Detail of a miniature of the Ascension of Christ. Image taken from f. 21 of Sept articles de la foy. Written in French.
Court of Love from BL Royal 16 F II, f. 1
Detail of a miniature of a lady Jeunesse presenting the author to lord Bel Accueil and lady Plaisance and their court, with a full border with two mottos, 'La plus eure' and 'Dieu et mon droit', the arms of Edw... More
Fox and ape from BL Eg 1121, f. 12v
Detail of a miniature of a fox and ape; the fox is wondering why the ape rejoices in the full moon above, at the beginning of Chapter 9 of Book 1. Image taken from f. 12v of Spiegel der Weisheit. Written in German.
Detail from BL Sloane 1977, f. 51v
Lower two registers. Image taken from f. 51v of Circa instans (index Herbal). Written in French.
Fresco with Miracle of the Jewels, Spain
Public domain photo of a medieval art painting, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
King and messenger from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 302v
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of a king and a messenger. Image taken from f. 302v of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decretals'). Written in Latin.
Pope and cardinals from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 4
Detail of a miniature of the pope and cardinals. Image taken from f. 4 of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decretals'). Written in Latin.
Two knights fighting from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 304v
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of two knights fighting. Image taken from f. 304v of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decretals'). Written in Latin.
An amorous encounter from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 139
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of a woman at a spinning wheel being kissed by a man while patting her on the bottom. Image taken from f. 139 of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decr... More
Rabbits from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 61
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of two rabbits dragging a naked man by the heels; another rabbit walks behind. Image taken from f. 61 of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decretals').... More
Woman carding wool from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 138
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of a woman carding wool. Image taken from f. 138 of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decretals'). Written in Latin.
Xystus from BL Royal 20 D VI, f. 83
Detail of an historiated initial 'C'(e fu) of Xystus before the Emperor Decius. Image taken from f. 83 of Lives of the Saints. Written in French.
Two knights fighting over a hound from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 105
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of two knights fighting over possession of a hound. Image taken from f. 105 of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decretals'). Written in Latin.
Messenger from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 3v
Detail of the bottom border of the folio with a bas-de-page scene of a messenger delivering a letter to a man seated at a desk. Image taken from f. 3v of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smit... More
Three monks from BL Royal 10 E IV, f. 281v
Detail of a bas-de-page scene of three monks. Image taken from f. 281v of Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the 'Smithfield Decretals'). Written in Latin.
Christ from BL Royal 20 B IV, f. 78
Detail of a miniature of Christ with offended Pharisees. Image taken from f. 78 of Meditationes vitae Christi (Le Livre doré des meditations de la vie de nostre seigneur Jesu Christ). Written in French.
Hosea and Zechariah - Public domain medieval manuscript
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
David and Goliath from BL Harley 2948, f. 96
Miniature of David and Goliath, decorated initial 'D'(omine) and full foliate borders, at the beginning of the Penitential Psalms. Image taken from f. 96 of Book of Hours, Use of Paris. Written in Latin and some French.
The three Magi see the new star
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
The marriage-feast at Cana: Christ order jars to be filled with water ...
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
The marriage-feast at Cana: Christ order jars to be filled with water ...
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Marriage ceremony from BL Royal 10 E IX, f. 195
Detail of a historiated initial 'D'(e) of a marriage ceremony, at the beginning of book 4, De sponsalibus et matrimoniis. Image taken from f. 195 of Decretales, with the Glossa ordinaria. Written in Latin.
Julian from BL YT 3, f. 278 - Public domain dedication image
Detail of a miniature of Julian in a boat, wearing a red cloak and holding a paddle. His mother carries a lantern and holds a paddle on the other end of the boat, while between them is Christ in the guise of a... More
Boy received into a monastery from BL Royal 10 D VIII, f. 82v
Detail of a miniature of a boy being received into a monastery, with a foliate initial 'Q'(uidam), at the beginning of causa 1. Image taken from f. 82v of Decretum, with the Glossa ordinaria. Written in Latin.
Tiger from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 6v
Detail of a miniature of a man capturing a tiger cub by leaving a mirror to distract its mother. Image taken from f. 6v of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French.
Osprey from BL Royal 13 B VIII, f. 9
Detail of a miniature of an osprey diving for fish. Image taken from f. 9 of Topographia Hiberniae, Expugnatio Hibernica, Itinerarium Kambriae; De purgatorio sancti Patrici, Excerpts from the Chronicle of Euseb... More
Universe from BL Harley 3647, f. 29
Detail of a diagram representing the universe, combining in one image the earth (with its equator, its tropics, the arctic and antarctic circles and the poles) and the heavens (with the ecliptic circle marking ... More
Saffron Crocus and Safflower from BL Eg 747, f. 24v
Miniature of a croci orientalis, or saffron crocus plant; miniature of a crocus ortensis, or safflower plant. Image taken from f. 24v of Tractatus de herbis (Herbal); De Simplici Medicina (index Secreta Salerni... More
Virgin and Child from BL Royal 1 C II, f. 215v
Detail of a historiated initial 'O'(sculetur) of the Virgin and Child, at the beginning of Song of Solomon. Image taken from f. 215v of Bible, with the Interpretation of Hebrew names (imperfect). Written in Latin.
The Crucifixion, with Mary and St. John
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
![Symbol of St. Matthew: angel, with (17) two clasped hands, (18) scallop, vine-tendril, (19) [no picture, number only], (20) money box, (21) head of ass, (22) laid table, (23) Seat of Moses, (24) sun, moon and stars](https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn8/L3Bob3RvLzIwMTYvMDUvMTUvc3ltYm9sLW9mLXN0LW1hdHRoZXctYW5nZWwtd2l0aC0xNy10d28tY2xhc3BlZC1oYW5kcy0xOC1zY2FsbG9wLXZpbmUtdGVuZHJpbC1kMDQ1NGQtMTAyNC5qcGc%3D/40/54/webp "Symbol of St. Matthew: angel, with (17) two clasped hands, (18) scallop, vine-tendril, (19) [no picture, number only], (20) money box, (21) head of ass, (22) laid table, (23) Seat of Moses, (24) sun, moon and stars")
Symbol of St. Matthew: angel, with (17) two clasped hands, (18) scallo...
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14ht-15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description. The Evangelist St. Matthew is one of the four authors of the Gos... More
Diagram from BL Harley 3667, f. 8
Byrhtferth's diagram' relating to the computation of the date of Easter and other astrological and natural science topics. Image taken from f. 8 of Portion of the annals of Peterborough Abbey. Written in Latin.
Raising of Lazarus - Public domain medieval manuscript
The Raising of Lazarus is a story from the New Testament, recorded in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-45). According to the story, Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, had fallen ill and died. When Jesus arrived in Bethan... More
Diagram from BL Eg 844, f. 16 - Public domain medieval manuscript
Detail of marginal diagram, probably unfinished. Image taken from f. 16 of Scientific miscellany, including Tractatus de Sphaera, Compotus, etc. Written in Latin.
Full border with initial from BL Harley 4775, f. 3
Full border with initial 'S'(eynt) in blue, pink, and green with foliate spray. Image taken from f. 3 of Legenda Aurea (The Golden Legend), ending imperfectly. Written in English.
Historiated initial and bar border from BL Harley 2749, f. 1
Large historiated initial 'E'(go) with Cicero writing and handing a letter to a boy; bar border on either side with foliate decoration, flowers (including sweet pea) and a bird; 2 winged putti supporting an era... More
Mugwort from BL Eg 747, f. 7v - Public domain medieval manuscript
Miniature of an artemisia maior, or mugwort plant. Image taken from f. 7v of Tractatus de herbis (Herbal); De Simplici Medicina (index Secreta Salernitana); Circa instans; Antidotarium Nicolai. Written in Latin.
Assumption of Mary from BL YT 45, f. 228v
Detail of a miniature of the Assumption of Mary, at the beginning of her suffrage. Image taken from f. 228v of Book of Hours, Use of Paris (The 'Hours of Nicolas Rolin'). Written in Latin and French.
Annuncation to the Shepherds from BL Harley 2884, f. 66v
Full-page miniature of the Annunciation to the Shepherds at the beginning of Terce in the Hours of the Virgin. Image taken from f. 66v of Book of Hours, Use of Rome. Written in Latin.
Image from BL Eg 1146, f. 286 - Public domain medieval manuscript
Image taken from f. 286 of Book of Hours, Use of Worms, with elements of a Breviary. Written in Latin.
Caladrius bird from BL Harley 3244, f. 52
Detail of a miniature of a king asleep in bed with a caladrius bird perched on him. Image taken from f. 52 of Theological miscellany, including the Summa de vitiis (see Notes for contents). Written in Latin.
St. Benedict of Nurcia holding a crozier and a book
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Plants from BL Sloane 4016, f. 36
Miniatures of plants, including flowers. Image taken from f. 36 of Herbal. Written in Latin.
Tiger from BL Sloane 3544, f. 2
Miniature of a tiger. Image taken from f. 2 of Bestiary. Written in Latin.
St. Apollinaris of Ravenna holding a crozier
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Edward III and the Black Prince from BL Royal 20 D X, f. 28
Detail of an historiated initial 'E'(dwardus) of Edward III enthroned giving a charter to the kneeling Black Prince, at the beginning of a collection of documents relating to Black Prince's principality of Aqui... More
Cat and mouse from BL Harley 3244, f. 49v
Detail of miniatures of a cat and a mouse, and a mouse. Image taken from f. 49v of Theological miscellany, including the Summa de vitiis (see Notes for contents). Written in Latin.
Griffin from BL Harley 3244, f. 38v
Detail of a miniature of a griffin. Image taken from f. 38v of Theological miscellany, including the Summa de vitiis (see Notes for contents). Written in Latin.
Asp from BL Royal 12 C XIX, f. 66
Text page relating to the asp. Image taken from f. 66 of Bestiary, and various theological texts, e.g., Isidore of Seville, Imago Mundi. Written in Latin.
Sun, Mercury, and Venus from BL Royal 12 F X, f. 15
Detail of a diagram of the sun with Mercury and Venus. Image taken from f. 15 of Dragmaticon philosophiae, imperfect at the beginning and the end (index Dramaticon). Written in Latin.
Caladrius bird from BL Sloane 3544, f. 24
Miniature of a man in bed with a caladrius bird on his chest. Image taken from f. 24 of Bestiary. Written in Latin.
Funeral from BL Harley 2915, f. 55v
Miniature of a funeral mass. Image taken from f. 55v of Book of Hours, Use of Sarum. Written in Latin.
Illuminated initial from BL Harley 2991, f. 43v
Illuminated initial 'D'(eus) with foliate and interlace decoration. Other capital lettering in gold. Image taken from f. 43v of Gregorian sacramentary, with benedictions. Written in Latin.
A crippled man from BL Royal 13 B VIII, f. 30v
Detail of a miniature of a crippled man using wooden blocks to move himself around, in the lower margin of the folio. Image taken from f. 30v of Topographia Hiberniae, Expugnatio Hibernica, Itinerarium Kambriae... More
Wedding at Cana from BL Eg 2781, f. 15v
Miniature of the wedding at Cana. Image taken from f. 15v of Book of Hours, Use of Sarum (The 'Neville of Hornby Hours'). Written in Latin and French.
Emblems from BL Royal 12 C III, f. 20
Full-page miniature of various emblems, including a sword, a crown, a wheel, and a serpent. Image taken from f. 20 of Hieroglyphica and Emblematic Inscriptions. Written in Latin.
Zodiac man from BL Harley 5311, f. F, i.e. 5
Miniature of Zodiac man. Image taken from f. F, i.e. 5 of Physician's folding almanac, including Somer's 'Calendar' (ff. B-E, i.e. 9-6), diagrams of solar and lunar eclipses from 1398 to 1462 (ff. G-I, i.e. 4-2... More
William I from BL Royal 14 C VII, f. 8v
Detail of a miniature of William I. Image taken from f. 8v of Historia Anglorum, Chronica majora, Part III; Continuation of Chronica maiora. Written in Latin.
Illuminated initial from BL Arundel 490, f. 7
Illuminated 'Channel-style' foliate initial 'H' with naked men 'white lions' or dogs, and animal head terminations. Image taken from f. 7 of Decretum; collections of Alexander III's decretals, with marginal glo... More
Crocodile from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 24
Detail of a miniature of a crocodile. Image taken from f. 24 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French.
Luke painting the Virgin from BL Royal 1 E V, f. 3
Full-page miniature of Luke painting seated at an easel supporting an arch-topped panel, and holding a brush and palette, with a winged bull, Luke's symbol, behind him, and a scroll bearing the opening words of... More
Hedgehogs from BL Royal 12 F XIII, f. 45
Detail of a miniature of hedgehogs rolling on grapes to impale them on their spines. Image taken from f. 45 of Bestiary (ff. 3-141), Lapidary (ff. 141v-149). Written in Latin and French.
Musicians playing a rebec and a cithar from BL Harley 2804, f. 3v
Detail of a miniature of musicians playing a rebec and a cithar. Image taken from f. 3v of Bible (the 'Worms Bible'), Psalms-Acts 16:17, imperfect. Written in Latin.
The Last Judgement from BL Royal 19 C I, f. 125v
Miniature of the Last Judgement. Image taken from f. 125v of Breviari d'Amor. Written in French (Occitan) (Provencal). The Last Judgment refers to the final judgment by God of all people, both the living and t... More