Historiated Capital Collection

Page from a Theological Summation by St. Thomas Aquinas, possibly copied in France before 1323 (vellum)
IND113629 Page from a Theological Summation by St. Thomas Aquinas, possibly copied in France before 1323 (vellum) by French School, (14th century); Archivo Capitular, Tortosa, Spain; Index Fototeca

Tirant Lo Blanc, facsimile of a dedicatory page from a book by Joanot Martorell (1413-c. 1468) 1490 (vellum)
IND113044 Tirant Lo Blanc, facsimile of a dedicatory page from a book by Joanot Martorell (1413-c.1468) 1490 (vellum) by Spindeler, Nicolau (15th century); Universidad de Valencia

Parfois il m arrive (ink and w / c on paper)
STC133207 Parfois il m arrive (ink and w/c on paper) by Barbier, Georges (1882-1932); Private Collection; (add.info.: it sometimes happens that I.. ; ); The Stapleton Collection

Ms Hunter 229 f. 88r An Ass seated playing a harp, a Goat on his hind legs singing, from the Hunterian Psalter, c
GUL174591 Ms Hunter 229 f.88r An Ass seated playing a harp, a Goat on his hind legs singing, from the Hunterian Psalter, c.1170 (pen & ink and tempera on vellum) (detail) by English School

Opening page of the book of Genesis from the Gutenberg Bible
BMR277001 Opening page of the book of Genesis from the Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg (c.1400-68) and Peter Schoeffer (1425-1502) in Mainz, 1454-56 (printed paper) by German School

Sickbed with a pox victim, illustration from a medical treatise by Paracelsus (1493-1541
BAL145751 Sickbed with a pox victim, illustration from a medical treatise by Paracelsus (1493-1541) pub. 1553 (woodcut) (b/w photo) by Flemish School, (16th century); Private Collection; Flemish

The Clerk of Oxfords Tale, detail from The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (c
SR21932 The Clerk of Oxfords Tale, detail from The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer (c.1342-1400) Ellesmere Manuscript, facsimile edition

End of Pentateuch and beginning of Book of Joshua, from the Gutenberg Bible
BMR277011 End of Pentateuch and beginning of Book of Joshua, from the Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg (c.1400-68) & and Peter Schoeffer (1425-1502) in Mainz

Prologue of the Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg (c
BMR277010 Prologue of the Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg (c.1400-68) & Peter Schoeffer (1425-1502) in Mainz, 1454-56 (printed paper) by German School

Ms Lat 156b Fol. 167 St. Peter, from the Hours of Marguerite d Orleans, c
BNP159908 Ms Lat 156b Fol.167 St. Peter, from the Hours of Marguerite d Orleans, c.1426 (vellum) by French School, (15th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; eBibliotheque Nationale

Ms Fr 12476 Fol. 109v The Nine Muses from Le Champion des Dames
BNP159912 Ms Fr 12476 Fol.109v The Nine Muses from Le Champion des Dames by Martin le Franc (1410-61) 1451 (vellum) by French School, (15th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Ms Fr 12476 fol. 105v Two witches from Le Champion des Dames by Martin le Franc
XIR233522 Ms Fr 12476 fol.105v Two witches from Le Champion des Dames by Martin le Franc (1410-61) 1451 (vellum) (b/w photo) by French School, (15th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Exploring the Intricate World of Historiated Capitals: A Glimpse into Medieval Manuscripts" Delving into the realm of medieval manuscripts, one encounters the captivating artistry and storytelling prowess embedded within historiated capitals. These ornate initials, adorned with intricate illustrations, serve as visual gateways to a bygone era. In a theological summation penned by St. Thomas Aquinas, possibly copied in France before 1323 on delicate vellum pages, we witness the marriage of religious doctrine and artistic finesse. Each capital letter comes alive with scenes from biblical narratives, transporting readers back to ancient times. Similarly, Joanot Martorell's dedication page in Tirant Lo Blanc (1490) showcases his literary masterpiece through an exquisite facsimile on vellum. The historiated capital here serves as a testament to Martorell's creative genius and pays homage to his esteemed patrons. Venturing beyond textual works, "Parfois il m'arrive" mesmerizes viewers with its ink and watercolor depiction on paper. This modern interpretation intertwines contemporary techniques with historical influences, bridging centuries together through art. The Hunterian Psalter unravels yet another tale through pen and ink on vellum; an ass playing a harp while a goat sings joyfully captures our imagination. This whimsical scene transports us to medieval courts where music echoed amidst illuminated manuscripts. Moving forward in time but still rooted in tradition is the opening page of Genesis from Johannes Gutenberg's revolutionary Gutenberg Bible. Its meticulously crafted historiated capital marks not only the beginning of this iconic text but also heralds a new era for printing technology. Even medical treatises bear witness to these captivating embellishments; Paracelsus' illustration portrays a sickbed occupied by a pox victim—a haunting reminder of humanity's struggle against disease during that period.