The document discusses the history of illuminated and ornamented letters from ancient manuscripts to the Renaissance. It notes that early medieval manuscripts contained elaborate illuminated initials depicting biblical scenes and mythical figures. With the invention of printing, artists decorated letters with historical events, landscapes, animals and other subjects. There was virtually no limit to what could be included in decorated, or "animated", alphabets throughout history.

2. • Letters have a mysterious and cabalistic quality that has inspired artists through the
ages. Calligraphers, painters, and engravers have never ceased to shape and
decorate them, using them as a starting point for limitless dreams and fantasies. The
illuminated initials of medieval manuscripts, ranging from Romanesque exuberance
to Gothic excess, paved the way. There were not only Biblical scenes but also
mythical beasts and human figures that were direct precursors of the zoomorphic and
anthropomorphic alphabets of the Renaissance and later. With the invention of
printing, the inventiveness of artists knew no bounds. Ornamented letters presented
historical and mythical events, romantic landscapes, trees, flowers, buildings, clowns,
devils, children, and every kind of animal. There was, indeed, no subject that could
not be put to the service of the animated alphabet.
• http://calligraphyalphabets.bestselleritem.com/cheap-calligraphy-alphabets-the-animated-alphabet-world-design/

3. Human Alphabets 1
( 740 - 1542 )
• Figurative alphabet by Giovannino de' Grassi (c. 1390)
• Berliner caps alphabet (c. 1400)
• letter 'A' of an ornamental alphabet by Anonymous (c. 1480-1500)
• Figure Alphabet by Master E.S. (c. 1465)
• Grotesque Alphabet by unknown author (c. 1464)
• Historiated initial 'H' from the Saint Petersburg Bede (c. 737- 746 )
• Historiated initials 'D' from the Vespasian Psalter (c.750- 800)
• Historiated initials 'I', 'T' from the Sacramentaire de Gellone (c. 780-800)
• Historiated initials from the Corbie Psalter (c.801-900)
• Historiated initials T, C, D, from the Sacramentary of Drogo (c. 845 – 855)
• Historiated initial 'L' from the Évangiles de Drogon (c. 845 – 855)
• Historiated initial T from the Sacramentary of Metz (c. 850 - 900)
• Historiated initials from the Évangiles de Saint-Médard de Soissons (c. 801-900)
• Historiated initials from the Bible de la Sauve-Majeure II (c. 999 – 1098)
• Historiated initial 'R' from the Life of St Dunstan (c. 1076-1125)
• Historiated initials H, L from the Bible d‘ Étienne Harding (c. 1109 – 1111)
• Historiated initials from the Moralia in Job of Gregory the Great (c. 1111 - 1115)
• Historiated initials from the Moralia in Job of Gregory the Great (c. 1101 - 1125)
• Historiated initials from the Moralia in Job of Gregory the Great (c. 1143 - 1178)

4. • Historiated initials from the St Albans Psalter (c. 1120 - 1145)
• Historiated initial 'B' from the Shaftesbury Psalter (c. 1125-1150)
• Historiated initials from the Biblia latina vulgatae versionis cum prologis (c. 1143-1178)
• Historiated initials from the Hunterian Psalter (c. 1150 - 1170)
• Historiated initial 'V' from The Lambeth Bible (c. 1150 - 1170)
• Historiated initial 'P' by Johannes Monoculus (1164)
• Historiated initial 'R', Jonah and the Whale (c. 1151 - 1175)
• Historiated initials from Concordia evangelistarum (c. 1160-1170)
• Historiated initials from the Winchester Bible (c. 1160 – 1175)
• Historiated initials, from The Auct. Bible or St. Hugh’s Bible (c. 1160 - 1180)
• Historiated Initial letter 'L' the Tree of Jesse by Arbre de Jessé (c. 1180)
• Historiated initials B, L from the Bible of Saint Sulpice de Bourges (c. 1150 - 1200)
• Historiated initials from the De Trinitate libri quindecim by St Augustine (c. 1178-1223)
• Historiated initial 'B' from Psalter from the Royal libraries (c. 1190-1200)
• Historiated initials from Codex Bruchsal (c. 1220)
• Historiated initials 'L' and 'I' from The Bible of Robert de Bello (c. 1240- 53)
• Historiated initials 'S', 'B', from the Carrow Psalter (c. 1250)
• Historiated initials from the Psalter of Saint Louis (c. 1270-1274)
• Historiated initials 'B', 'S' from The Rutland Psalter c. 1260
• Historiated initials from the Windmill Psalter (c. 1270-1280)
• Historiated initials from the Ormesby Psalter (1310)
• Historiated Initial 'B' from the Peterborough Psalter (c. 1300-1318)
• Historiated initials from the Macclesfield Psalter (1320-1330)

5. • Illuminated initials from a Homilary (c. 1300 – 1350)
• Historiated initials from the Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux (c. 1324-1328)
• Historiated initial 'S' from the Poésies de Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1372-1377)
• Illuminated initial letter ‘I’ from the Wenceslas Bible (c. 1389)
• IIluminated initials F, S, C, S, V by Lorenzo Monaco (1395-1410)
• Historiated initials from the Hours of Gian Galeazzo Visconti (c. 1390-1430)
• Historiated initial B on a psalter leaf by Matteo Torelli (c. 1410)
• Historiated initial D from a Gradual by Cristoforo Cortese (c. 1410-1420)
• Illuminated Initials M, H, H, H from Van Alphen Hours, (c. 1450)
• Historiated initial 'P' depicting Nativity (15th century)
• Historiated initials from the Heures de Louis de Savoie (c. 1401-1500)
• Historiated Initial 'B' from a Choir Psalter (c. 1444 - c. 1450)
• Historiated initial ‘O’ the Coronation of the Virgin (c. 1440- c. 1460)
• 17 historiated initials from the Hours of Charles of Angoulême (c. 1475-1500)
• Historiated initials from 'The Natural History of Pliny the Elder' (c. 1481)
• Historiated initial 'P' of David by Giuliano Amadei (c. 1484 – 1492)
• Historiated initial 'D' from The Hours of Isabella d’Este (c. 1490)
• Historiated initial R from choirbook by Attavante degli Attavanti (c. 1452- 1525)
• Historiated initial R: The Resurrection by Antonio da Monza (c. 1480 - 1505)
• Historiated and illuminated initial 'E' (c. 1500)
• Illuminated initials 'D' from the Colonna missal (c. 1532)
• Historiating initials from the Chansonnier de Zeghere van Male (1542)

6. Figurative alphabet
by Giovannino de' Grassi (c. 1390)
• Figurative alphabet c. 1390 by Giovannino de' Grassi (c. 1350 - 1398),
Italian painter, sculptor, architect and miniaturist. Figurative alphabet
(minuscule aplphabet made of human figures and animals, letters h,i,k,l,p,q
and r).
Cassaf.1.21, Il Taccuino(Sketch book) di Giovannino de’ Grassi, fol.29 v.
Biblioteca civica Angelo Mai, Bergamo.
• http://www.danielmitsui.com/hieronymus/index.blog?entry_id=1867520
• http://www.codicesillustres.com/catalogue/giovannino_de_grassi/

12. The Berliner caps alphabet (c. 1400)
• Berliner Alphabet The Berliner caps alphabet (ca. 1400) contains fantastic
creatures, and illustrates the war between good and evil.
• http://cg.scs.carleton.ca/~luc/MA-berliner_alphabet.jpg
• http://luc.devroye.org/fonts-41891.html

14. letter 'A' of an ornamental alphabet
by Anonymous (c.1480-1500)
• Drawn by Anonymous. Young couple holding hands, grouped to form the
letter 'A' of an ornamental alphabet, c.1480-1500.
Pen and brown ink, over black chalk.
• http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/search_object_details.aspx?objectid=720859&par

16. Figure Alphabet by Master E.S.
(c.1465)
• A figurative alphabet around 1465 was engraved by the Master E.S. (c.
1420 – c. 1468), (previously known as the Master of 1466) an
unidentified German engraver, goldsmith, and printmaker. Later owners of
some of the prints misidentified them as the work of Martin Schongauer and
added his M + S monogram to them.
Copyright © The Trustees of the British Museum
• http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/search_results.aspx?searchText=Figure+Alphabe
• http://www.danielmitsui.com/aaaaa/abcs.html
• http://community.livejournal.com/art_links/1636835.html
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaarwel/6771079817/sizes/l/

48. Grotesque Alphabet 1464
by unknown author
• Grotesque Alphabet by unknown author 1464.The letter S is missing, and of
A, T and V only fragments remain; each letter is surrounded by a border of
three lines; the letters are formed of groups of figures; the letters A, B, H, N,
and Q are partially coloured with vermilion. When complete, this alphabet
consists of 23 letters (omitting J, U, and W) and one design of ornamental
foliage. Woodcut
• Copyright © The Trustees of the British Museum
• http://marinni.livejournal.com/508492.html?thread=5724492
• http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/search_object_details.aspx?objectid=1349441&pa

64. Historiated initial 'H' from the
Saint Petersburg Bede (c. 737-746)
• The Saint Petersburg Bede or the Leningrad Bede, is an early surviving
illuminated manuscript (c. 737-746) of Bede's (c. 672 - 735) the Historia
ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (Ecclesiastical History of the English People).
Although not heavily illuminated, it is famous for containing the earliest
historiated initial (one containing a picture) in European illumination.
• Historiated initial H[IS temporibus, id est anno dominicae] from the opening
of Book 2 of Bede, contains a bust portrait of a haloed figure carrying a
cross and a book. This is probably intended to be St. Gregory the Great,
although later has identified as the figure of St. Augustine of Canterbury.
• Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, Lat. Q. v. I. 18, copy of 746 in
Saint Petersburg, National Library of Russia.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg_Bede
• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Leningrad_bede.jpg
• http://club.quomodo.com/plumeetlumiere/uploads/images/208/120311_193827.jpg

66. Historiated initials 'D' from the
Vespasian Psalter (c. 750 - 800)
• The Vespasian Psalter is an Anglo-Saxon illuminated Psalter produced in
the second or third quarter of the 8th century. It contains an interlinear gloss
in Old English which is the oldest extant English translation of any portion of
the Bible. Parchment ff.160, 240 × 190 mm.
Cotton Vespasian A I, British Library, London.
• Folio 30v, David with musicians.
• Folio 31, Psalm 26:1, historiated initial D[(omi)n(u)s illuminatio mea].
• Folio 53r, Psalm 52:1, historiated initial D[ixit insipiens in corde suo].
• http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=cotton_ms_vespasian_a_i_f001r

73. Historiated initials 'I', 'T' from the
Sacramentaire de Gellone (c. 780 - 800)
• Historiated initials 'I', 'T' from the Sacramentaire de Gellone, c.780-800.
Although the origins of the manuscript are unclear, Deshusses suggests that it was
written either at Meaux or Cambrai around 790 for Bishop Hildoard of Cambrai. The
sacramentary ended up at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, near Lodève, perhaps as one of
the gifts Louis the Pious and Duke William of Toulouse presented to the monastery
shortly after it was founded by William of Gelone in 804.
Sacramentarium gelasianum [Sacramentaire gélasien, dit de Gellone], MSS Latin
12048, 276 folios , 300 x 180 mm.
Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
• Folio 1v, initial I[n nomine Domini nostri Iesu Christi. Incipit liber sacramentorum],
shows the Sancta Maria holding a cross.
• Folio 143v, initial T[E IGITUR clementissime Pater], shows the crucified Christ
attended by two angels.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b60000317/f10.image
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b60000317/f10.image.r=Sacramentaire%20de%20Gellone%20.langEN
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b60000317/f294.image.r=Sacramentaire%20de%20Gellone%20.langEN
• http://www.codex99.com/typography/50.html
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sacr_Gellone_1v.jpg

78. Historiated initials from
the Corbie Psalter (c.801-900)
• Historiated initials from the Corbie Psalter, Corbie, France, early 9th century.
Psautier, avec cantiques et litanies, MS 18C, 144 folios 275 × 168 mm.
Bibliothèques d’Amiens Métropole, France.
Perhaps the first great draftsmen of the Middle Ages were the anonymous artists-scribes who
produced this psalter. The high degree of their skill and extraordinary creativity is apparent
throughout in the decorated initials that adorn every psalm and canticle.
• Folio 1v, 2r, Psalm 1:1 initial B[eatus vir]
• Folio 9v, Psalm 10:2, initial In D[omino confido; quomodo dicitis animae meae]
• Folio 46r, Psalm 51:3, initial Q[uid gloriaris in malitia, qui potens es in iniquitate]
• Folio 57r, Psalm 66:2, initial D[eus misereatur nostri, et benedicat nobis]
• Folio 67r, Psalm 75:2, initial N[otus in Judaea Deus]
• Folio 108r , Psalm 123:2, initial N[isi quia Dominus erat in nobis]
• Folio 123v, Psalm 151, initial P[usillus eram inter fratres meos], David and Goliath.
• Folio 133r, initial D[omine, audivi auditum tuum, et timui], Habacuc (Habakkuk) 3:1
• Folio 137r, initial N[Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine], Canticle of Simeon.
• Folio 137v, initial T[e Deum laudamus te Dominum confitemur], Ambrosian Hymn.
• Folio 138v, initial GLO[ria in excelsis Deo], Hymn.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8452190t/f10.image
• http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment/exhibition-images/01dr2_49d/
• http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/01dr2_49d.jpg
• http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/e03r2_49k.jpg
• http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/01ar2_49d.jpg
• http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/e02r2_49k.jpg

100. Historiated initials 'T', 'C', 'D', from the
Drogo Sacramentary (c. 845 - 855)
• Historiated initials T, C, D , c. 845-855 from the Sacramentary of Drogo bishop of
Metz (801 – 855), also known as Dreux or Drogon. Masterpiece of illumination done
at Metz, the manuscript is illustrated with 38 stories of the Life of Christ, both liturgical
and hagiographical scenes, which are unparalleled for its era. The ivories sculpted on
the binding reflect the subjects painted in the text. The manuscript contains 130
leaves.
Sacramentaire dit de Drogon, Ms. Lat. 9428, Paris, Bibliotheque Nationale de
France.
• Folios 15v-16r, initial T[E IGITUR clementissime].
• Folio 58r, initial D[eus, qui hodierna die, per Unigenitum tuum].
• Folio 71v, initial C[oncede, quaesumus, omnipotens Deus].
• Folio 78r, initial D[eus qui hodierna die corda fidelium sancti spiritus illustratione
docuisti].
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b60000332/f40.image.r=Le%20Sacramentaire%20de%20Drogon.langEN
• http://expositions.bnf.fr/livres/drogon/index.htm
• http://library.ucf.edu/specialcollections/exhibits/lovefaithmyth/faith2.htm
• http://library.ucf.edu/specialcollections/exhibits/lovefaithmyth/faith4.htm
• http://das-faksimile.com/userfiles/image/galerie/113FestlicheJahr%20008.jpg
• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Enluminure_Drogon_c.jpg
• http://www.lescahiersliturgiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Easter-Sunday.jpg
• http://www.oberlin.edu/images/Art310/16053.JPG
• http://jessehurlbut.net/wp/mssart/?p=982

108. Historiated initial 'L' from the
Évangiles de Drogon (c. 845 – 855)
• Evangelia quattuor [Évangiles dits de Drogon], c. 845 – 855, folios 198.
MS Latin 9388, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris.
• Folio 17v, historiated initial L[iber generationis] from the Evangelium
secundum Mattheum.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b55001425m/f40.item.r=Sacramentaire

110. Historiated initial 'T' from the
Sacramentary of Metz (c.850-900)
• Ms. Lat. 1141, fol. 6v, Historiated initial T[E IGITUR clementissime Pater], from the
Sacramentary of Metz, c. 869-870.
Sacramentarium [Sacramentaire de Charles le Chauve (?)] Ms. Lat. 1141,17 folios,
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France.
This fragment is a jewel due to its rich ornamental and miniature decoration, a
testimony to Late Carolingian illustration of the 9 th century. While the codex is a
complete sacramentary which integrates the whole ecclesiastical year, it may be just
the beginning of a manuscript that was never finished. It was made in the second half
of the 9th century for a king, probably for Charles the Bald, king of an area then called
Francia Occidentalis. The script is mainly executed in golden letters, and at the
beginning the miniatures depict a portrait of Charles the Bald's coronation. The
ornamental art around the text is particularly striking.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b53019391x/f22.item.r=Sacramentaire
• http://www.library.arizona.edu/exhibits/illuman/9-10_01.html
• http://www.library.arizona.edu/exhibits/illuman/images/full_resolution/9-10_01.jpg
• http://library.nd.edu/medieval/facsimiles/litfacs/metz/6v-1H.html

114. Historiated initials from the Évangiles de
Saint-Médard de Soissons (c.801-900)
• Evangelia quattuor [Évangiles de Saint-Médard de Soissons], IX century.
MS Latin 8850, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris.
• Folio 82r, initial I[nitium Evangelii Jesu Christi, Filii Dei], « Incipit evangelium
secundum Marcum».
• Folio 124r, historiated initials QUO[niam quidem multi conati sunt], « Incipit
evangelium secundum Lucam».
• Folio 181r, initial I[n principio erat Verbum], « Incipit evangelium secundum
Iohannem».
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8452550p/f257.item
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8452550p/f173.item.r=%20Evangelia
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8452550p/f371.item.r=%20Evangelia

121. Historiated initials from the Bible
de la Sauve-Majeure II (c. 999 – 1098)
• Biblia, cum S. Hieronymi prologis, Bible de la Sauve-Majeure II, c. 999 – 1098.
Ms 0001-2, Bibliothèque de Bordeaux, France.
Parchment 231 ff. 545 x 180 mm
• Fol. 152r, Isaiah 1:1, initial V[isio Isaie]
• Fol. 168v, Jeremiah 1:1, initial V[erba Hieremiae]
• Fol. 207r, initial D[aniele Propheta]
• Fol. 207v, Daniel 1:1, initial A[nno tertio regni Ioakim regis Iuda]
• Fol. 240v, Micah 1:1, initial V[erbum Domini quod factum est ad Micham]
• Fol. 240r, Jonah 1:1, initial E[t factum est verbum Domini]
• Fol. 243r, Zephaniah 1:1, initial V[erbum Domini quod factum est ad Sofoniam]
• Fol. 250v, Job 1:1, initial V[ir erat in terra Hus nomine Iob]
• Fol. 260v, Psalm 1:1, initial B[eatus vir]
• Fol. 260r, initial H[ieronimus Sofronio]
• Fol. 300v, Ben Sira 1:1, initial M[ultorum nobis et magnorum per Legem et Prophetas]
• Fol. 301r, Ben Sira 1:1, initial O[mnis sapientia a Deo Domino est]
• Fol. 322r, Esther 1:1, initial I[n diebus Assueri]
• http://manuscrits-drac.bnsa.aquitaine.fr/la-societe/se-vetir/composition-et-evolution-du-costume-civil.aspx
• http://jessehurlbut.net/wp/mssart/?p=2086

135. Historiated initial 'R' from the
Life of St Dunstan (c.1076-1125)
• Epistola de vita S. Dunstani; Life of St Dunstan from England, S. E.
(Canterbury), last quarter of the 11th century or 1st quarter of the 12th
century.
Historiated initial R[egnante magnifico Anglorum rege Ethelstano] with a
seated scribe labelled 'OSBEARNVS', a censing monk, animals, and animal
heads.
Arundel 16, f. 2, The British Library, London.
• http://prodigi.bl.uk/illcat/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=11236

138. Historiated initials 'H', 'L' from the
Bible d‘ Étienne Harding (c.1109 – 1111)
• Historiated Initials in the Illuminated Bible d‘ Étienne Harding , c. 1109 –
1111, from The Abbaye Notre-Dame, Cîteaux, France.
Dijon - BM - ms. 0015, Bibliothèque municipale de Dijon, France.
• Folio 003v, initial H[ieronimus], St Jerome handing over his work to Pope
Saint Damasus.
• Folio 011v, initial L[iber generationis], Angel of Saint Matthew.
• http://www.enluminures.culture.fr/documentation/enlumine/fr/BM/dijon_036-01.htm

141. Historiated initials from the Moralia in
Job of Gregory the Great (c. 1111-1115)
• Historiated initials from a 12th-century (c.1111-1115) manuscript of Moralia in Job by
Pope Gregory the Great (590-604), from The Abbaye Notre-Dame, Cîteaux, France.
Dijon - BM - ms. 0168, 169, Bibliothèque Municipale de Dijon, France.
• Dijon - BM - ms. 0168 F. 002, initial V[ir erat in terra Hus, nomine Job],
Bûcheronnage.
• Dijon - BM - ms. 0168 F. 004v, initial R[everendissimo], Chevalier et serviteur
combattant un hybride zoomorphe.
• Dijon - BM - ms. 0168 F. 052v, initial Q[ui textum], Homme attaquant un hybride
zoomorphe.
• Dijon - BM - ms. 0169 F. 005, initial S[ervata historiae], Jongleurs.
• Dijon - BM - ms. 0169 F. 036v, initial P[raecedenti], Hommes et lions.
• Dijon - BM - ms. 0169 F. 088v, initial Q[uoties in arenae], Dieu, Job et Behemoth.
• http://www.enluminures.culture.fr/documentation/enlumine/fr/BM/dijon_124-01.htm
• http://www.enluminures.culture.fr/documentation/enlumine/fr/BM/dijon_125-01.htm
• http://erinzingre.blogspot.com/2010/11/visc-202-homework.html
• http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LB2YzsLB1eU/TOy5KxaSphI/AAAAAAAAANo/Q_CshhfKg7E/s1600/illuminated13.jpg
• http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/646/flashcards/1039646/png/initialrmoralia1324175535942.png

149. Historiated initials from the Moralia in
Job of Gregory the Great (c. 1101-1125)
• Historiated initials from a 12th-century (1st
quarter) manuscript of Moralia in Job by
Pope Gregory the Great (590-604), from The Abbaye Notre-Dame, Cîteaux, France.
Dijon - BM - ms. 0173, Bibliothèque Municipale de Dijon, France.
• F. 007, initial P[lerumque in sacro eloquio], Hommes et animaux combattant.
• F. 020, initial Q[uid mirum], Cavalier attaquant un hybride zoomorphe.
• F. 029, initial Q[uamvis omnem], Homme attaquant un hybride zoomorphe.
• F. 041, initial I[ntellectus sacri eloquii], Abattage d'arbre.
• F. 047, initial Q[uod a me], Cavalier désarçonné.
• F. 066, initial H[Eliu vim], Jongleurs.
• F. 103v, initial P[ost damna], Hybrides anthropomorphes et zoomorphes combattant.
• F. 111v, initial D[ominus Deus noster], Homme luttant contre un lion et un dragon.
• F. 122, initial S[ancti viri quo apud], Homme luttant contre des hybrides zoomorphes.
• F. 148, initial B[eatus Job], Battage.
• F. 156, initial A[ntiquo hosti], Homme et hybrides zoomorphes.
• http://www.enluminures.culture.fr/documentation/enlumine/fr/BM/dijon_129-01.htm

161. Historiated initials from the Moralia in
Job of Gregory the Great (c.1143-1178)
• The Book of Job by Gregory the Great (Gregorius M., Moralia in Job) in four volumes
(c.1143-1178).
Cod. 20 - Cod. 24, Stiftsbibliothek, Engelberg, Switzerland.
• Cod. 20, fol. 006r, initial I[nter multos saepe quaeritur]
• Cod. 21, fol. 006r, initial Q[uamvis in prolixo opere esse]
• Cod. 21, fol. 044r, initial S[uperiori huius]
• Cod. 23, fol. 003r, initial P[ost damna rerum]
• http://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/searchresult/list/one/bke/0020
• http://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/searchresult/list/one/bke/0021
• http://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/searchresult/list/one/bke/0023

166. Historiated initials from the
St Albans Psalter (c.1120-1145)
• Historiated Initials from the beginning of psalms in the St Albans Psalter.
The St Albans Psalter(or the Albani Psalter, or the Psalter of Christina of Markyate), is an
English illuminated manuscript, created in the 12th century at or for St Albans Abbey. It is one of
the most important examples of English Romanesque book with almost unprecedented
lavishness of decoration.
• p.72,73, Psalm 1:1, initial B[EATUS VIR], The blessed psalmist David.
• p.109, Psalm 21:2, initial D[(eu)s, D(eu)s m(eu)s].
• p.115, Psalm 24:1, initial A[Ad te, D(omi)ne].`
• p.285, Psalm 105:1, initial C[onfitemini D(omi)no].
• p.324, Psalm 118:105, initial L[ucerna].
• p.350, Psalm 136, initial S[uper flumina].
• p.396, initial P[ATER N(OSTE)R].
• p.414, Initials C[TIONES], A[ DOMO TUA], E[CCLESI(A)E TUAE] collect 6,7,8.
• Initials H[OSTIUM], A[NIMABUS] und D[EUS QUI ES], collect 9,10,11 Köln, Museum Schnütgen,
M694, recto.
• http://www.abdn.ac.uk/stalbanspsalter/english/commentary/page072.shtml
• http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albani-Psalter
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:St._Albans_Psalter?uselang=de
• http://www.br-faksimile.de/Albani_2.jpg
• http://blackgradsdavis.com/index.php?option=com_awiki&view=mediawiki&article=Psalter?qsrc=3044
• http://rpmedia.ask.com/ts?u=/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Albani-Psalter_Initialen.jpg/530px-Albani-Psalter_Initialen.jpg
• http://www.abdn.ac.uk/stalbanspsalter/english/translation/trans072.shtml
• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Psalm_136_Initial_S.jpg
• http://www.images.bistum-hildesheim.de/1/10/4/48544106065556458341.jpg
• http://www.abdn.ac.uk/stalbanspsalter/english/translation/trans414.shtml
• http://www.abdn.ac.uk/stalbanspsalter/english/translation/transkolnrecto.shtml

185. Historiated initials from the Biblia latina
vulgatae versionis cum prologis (c. 1143-1178)
• Biblia latina vulgatae versionis cum prologis c. 1143-1178
Cod. 4, Stiftsbibliothek, Engelberg, Switzerland.
Parchment · 213 ff. · 38.0 x 28.0 cm
• fol. 048r, Proverbs 1:1, initial P[arabolae Salomonis filii David regis Israhel].
• fol. 134v, Book of Tobit 1:1, initial T[obias ex tribu et civitate Nephthali].
• fol. 150v, Esther 1:1, initial I[n diebus Assueri].
• http://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/fr/searchresult/list/one/bke/0004

189. Historiated initial 'B' from the
Shaftesbury Psalter (c. 1125-1150)
• Psalter (the 'Shaftesbury Psalter') with calendar and prayers, England, 2nd
quarter of the 12th century.
• f. 15v, psalm 1:1, detail of historiated initial 'B'[eatus] of David holding a
book with standing men behind him, and below, musicians and a devil.
Ms Lansdowne 383, The British Library, London, United Kingdom.
• http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=11332

191. Historiated initials from the
Hunterian Psalter (c.1150 - 1170)
• The Hunterian Psalter (or York Psalter), an illuminated manuscript which was produced
in England c.1150 - c.1170 is considered a striking example of Romanesque book art.
Special Collections Department, Library, University of Glasgow , MS Hunter U.3.2 (229).
• Folio 21v, full page miniature depicting David tuning his harp
• Folio 22r, full page historiated initial B[eatus vir]
• Folio 75r, Psalm 51:3, historiated initial Q[uid gloriaris], Doeg whispers to Saul while David
threatens his enemies with Goliath's sword.
• Folio 84r, Psalm 62:2, a lion inhabits the initial D[eus, Deus meus] . Atop, a nude and a
dragon.
• Folio 85v, Psalm 64:2, historiated initial T[e decet hymnus], a figure in blue robes
positioned in a Christ-like pose.
• Folio 94r, Psalm 71:2, historiated initial D[eus], depicting a nimbed woman suckling two
men; Mother Church(?).
• Folio 101r, Psalm 77:1, historiated initial A[ttendite], depicting a centaur spearing a man.
• Folio 125v, Psalm 97:1, inhabited initial C[antate Domino], nude figures and grotesques in
a twisted pattern.
• Folio 128r, Psalm 101:2, inhabited initial D[omine], nude figure and grotesques; a dragon
spits black venom.
• http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/exhibns/psalter/psalterindex.html
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/uofglibrary/sets/72157623552158440/
• http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/exhibns/psalter/psalterindex.html
• http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/exhibns/month/may2007.html

206. Historiated initial 'V' from
the Lambeth Bible (c.1150-1170)
• Historiated initial V[isio Ysaie], Isaiah being sawn in two -Lambeth Palace
Library MS3 f.198v .
• The Lambeth Bible, a giant illuminated Bible of the mid-twelfth century, is
one of the finest examples in this country of Romanesque book illustration
and one of the greatest treasures of Lambeth Palace Library, where it has
been since 1610. The second volume of the Bible, separated from it during
the sixteenth century and only identified in 1924, is now at Maidstone
Museum.
• MS3, Lambeth Palace Library, London.
• http://lambethpalacelibrary.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lpt_ms3_f198v.jpg

208. Historiated initial 'P'
by Johannes Monoculus (1164)
• Folio 1r, historiated initial 'P'[aulus, servus Jesu Christi ] from the beginning
of the Epistle to the Romans, by the scribe Johannes Monoculus. Contains
a commentary by Florus on the Epistles of St. Paul. Date: 1164. Once was
in the Corbie monastery.
MS Lat. 11575, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.
• http://www.biblical-data.org/LATIN_Resources/LATIN_MSS_Images.html
• http://www.biblical-data.org/LATIN_Resources/Paris_11575.jpg

211. Historiated initial 'R' ,
Jonah and the Whale (c.1150-1175)
• Historiated initial R[esurrexi, et adhuc tecum sum, alleluia] , Jonah and the
Whale, Lambach, Austria, third quarter of 12th century.
27.6 x 18.6 cm.
W.33, The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.
• http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment/exhibition-images/cat261r2_49c/
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/medmss/sets/72157626257103829/with/5572340550/

214. Historiated initials from Concordia
evangelistarum (1160-1170)
• The manuscript Zacharias Chrysopolitanus / Concordia evangelistarum, is
the masterpiece of an unknown monk of the Abbey of Saint-Bertin c.1160-
1170 which is called the "Master of Zechariah Besançon" according to the
author of texts this collection.
Ms 0030, Bibliothèque d’agglomération de Saint-Omer, France.
• Folio 047r initial D[e excellentia evangelii ]
• Folio 054r, initial M[atthaeus cognomento Levi]
• Folio 56v, 57 r, John 1:1, initial I[n principio erat Verbum]
• Folio 106r, Matthew 11:20, initial T[unc cepit exprobrare civitatibus]
• Folio 131r, Matthew 13:13, initial V[enit autem Jesus]
• Folio 137v, Luke 15:1, initial A[it autem: Homo quidam habuit duos filios]
• Zacharie le Chysopolitain, Sur la concordance des évangiles
• http://tools.yoolib.com/Yviewer/index.php?user=bmsaintomer&filemedia_id=18937&menu_left_visible=1&menu_left_type=t

227. Historiated initials from the
Winchester Bible (c.1160–1175)
• The Winchester Bible is a Romanesque illuminated manuscript produced in Winchester c. 1160 -
1175. With 468 folios 583 x 396 mm., it is the largest surviving 12th-century English Bible.
Ms. 17, Winchester Cathedral Library, Winchester.
• Fol. 069, Joshua 1:1, initial E[t factum est ut post mortem Mosi], God's charge to Joshua.
• Fol.120v, Second Kings 1:1, initial P[raevaricatus] , the messengers of Elijah and Ahaziah.
• Fol.148, Jeremiah 1:1, initial V[erba Hieremiae], God touches Jeremiah’s lips with the gift of
prophecy.
• Fol.169, Lamentations 5:1, initial R[ecordare Domine],The prayer of Jeremiah.
• Fol.172, Ezekiel 1:1, initial E[t factum est], the vision of Ezekiel of the tetramorph.
• Fol.190, Daniel 1:1, initial A[nno tertio]
• Daniel 5:1, initial B[altassar rex]
• Hosea 1:1, initial V[erbum Domini], prophet Hosea preaching to the Israelites.
• Initial Letter B[eatus Vir], Blessed is the Man.•
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Bible
• http://blog.fitnyc.edu/volumesandissues/files/2014/02/winchPwcloths.sml_.jpg
• http://www.nmct.co.uk/case-studies/winchester-cathedral
• http://www.davidscottwritings.com/CPStudyGuide6.html
• http://www.davidscottwritings.com/Winchester%20Bible2.jpg
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Winchester_bible_-_02e_-_1150.jpg
• http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/11/2/7/7/90730753697150396.gif
• http://freechristimages.org/prophets/Illuminated-Letter-E_Ezekiel.jpg
• http://www.lib-art.com/imgpainting/5/1/14415-winchester-bible-english-miniaturist.jpg
• http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-1200-1200-100/29/2947/V3MRD00Z/posters/initial-letter-b-beatus-vir-blessed-is-the-man-from-the-winch

243. Historiated initials, from The Auct. Bible
or St. Hugh’s Bible (c.1160 - c.1180)
• ‘The Auct. Bible’ or ‘St. Hugh’s Bible’, vol. I. Parchment 515 x 365 mm
12th century, middle and c. 1180
MS. Auct. E. inf. 1, Bodleian Library, University of Oxford.
• Folio 214v, Jeremiah 1:1, initials [I]EREMIE PROFETE, [V]ERBA IEREMIE FILII
[H]ELCHIE, with entangled man, and winged fantastic animals. By ‘the Brilliant Pupil’.
• Folio 264v, Daniel 1:1, initial [A]NNO TERTIO JOAKIM REGIS JUDA, formed by lion
and dragon biting each other’s necks. Negotiating tendrils and legs, a small entangled
man carrying axe and spear. Designed by the Entangled Figures Master, painted
perhaps by his ‘Brilliant Pupil’ .
• Folio 281r, Obadiah 1:1, initial [V]ISIO ABDIAE, formed by blue tendril and
elongated entangled man.; he wears a garment painted in damp-fold style. By the
Entangled Figures Master.
• Folio 304r, Job 1:1, initial [V]IR ERAT IN TERRA HUS NOMINE IOB, Body of letter
formed by hybrid human-headed bearded creature. By the Entangled Figures Master.
• http://bodley30.bodley.ox.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/view/all/what/MS.+Auct.+E.+inf.+1

252. Historiated initial letter 'L' the Tree of
Jesse by Arbre de Jessé (c.1180)
• Historiated initial L[iber generationis], adorned with a "Tree of Jesse“ from
the Capuchin's bible by Arbre de Jessé ca 1150-1200.
BNF Latin 16746, fol-7v, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b85144288/f23.item.r=BNF%20Latin%2016746
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/28433765@N07/5740712284/in/photostream/

257. Historiated initials 'B', 'L' from the Bible
of Saint Sulpice de Bourges (c.1150-
1200)
• Bible of Saint Sulpice de Bourges, France, c. 1150-1200.
MS 3, Bibliotheque Municipale de Bourges, France.
• fol. 255, Psalm 1:1, historiated initial B[eatus vir], David playing the harp and
musicians.
• fol. 308v, Historiated initial L[iber], Matthew, trampling a dragon.
• http://www.lessing-photo.com/dispimg.asp?i=32010354+&cr=1&cl=1
• http://www.lessing-photo.com/p3/320103/32010354.jpg
• http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/enlumine_fr?ACTION=CHERCHER&FIELD_1=REF&VALUE_1=D-008044

261. Historiated initials from the De Trinitate libri
quindecim by St Augustine (c.1178-1223)
• De Trinitate libri quindecim, praemissa epistola ad Aurelium by St Augustine (c.1178-
1223).
Cod. 14, Stiftsbibliothek, Engelberg, Switzerland.
• f. 037v, Liber III, 1:1, initial C[redant qui volunt].
• f. 050r, Liber IV, 1:1, initial S[cientiam terrestrium caelestiumque].
• f. 068v, Liber V, 1:1, initial H[inc iam exordiens].
• f. 077r, Liber VΙ, 1:1, initial (a)E[qualitatem patris et filii et spiritus sancti].
• f. 093r, Liber VΙΙΙ, 1:1, initial D[iximus alibi ea].
• f. 134r, Liber VIII 1:1, initial I[n libro superiore].
• f. 162r, Liber XV, 1:1, initial V[olentes in rebus].
• http://www.e-codices.unifr.ch/en/searchresult/list/one/bke/0014

269. Initial 'B' from Psalter from the
Royal libraries (c.1190-1200)
• Historiated initial B[eatous vir], f.030v in a psalter from Royal libraries,
which produced in Northern England c. 1190-1200. Parchment, 185 ff.,
245x177 mm.
Kalendarium - Psalterium cum Canticis, Symbolo Athanasii, Litaniis
ms. BPL 76 , Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.
• http://www.mmdc.nl/static/media/1/107/UBL_BPL_76A.jpg
• https://socrates.leidenuniv.nl/view/action/nmets.do?DOCCHOICE=879128.xml&dvs=1379246321169~540&locale=en_US&search_terms=bpl+76&img_size=best_f

271. Historiated initials from
the Codex Bruchsal 1 (c.1220)
• Evangelistar von Speyer, um 1220. parchment 77 Bl. 33,2 x 25,3 cm.
Codex Bruchsal 1, Badische Landesbibliothek, Karlsruhe, Germany.
• Bl. 01v., Christ in vesica shape surrounded by the "animal" symbols of the
four evangelists.
• Bl. 06r, Luke 2:1, Historiated initial E[xiit edictum].
• Bl. 31r, The crucification.
• Bl. 68r, Matthew 5:3, Historiated initial V[idens].
• http://digital.blb-karlsruhe.de/blbhs/content/pageview/1217321
• http://digital.blb-karlsruhe.de/blbhs/content/pageview/1217321
• http://digital.blb-karlsruhe.de/blbhs/content/pageview/1217330
• http://digital.blb-karlsruhe.de/blbhs/content/pageview/1217380
• http://digital.blb-karlsruhe.de/blbhs/content/pageview/1217454
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Evangelistar_von_Speyer
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Search&search=Codex+Bruchsal&button=
• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cb/Codex_Bruchsal_1_68r.jpg
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Codex_Bruchsal_1_31r.jpg
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Codex_Bruchsal_1_01v.jpg
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Codex_Bruchsal_1_01v_cropped.jpg
• http://www.blb-karlsruhe.de/presse_download/bilder-1.php#bruchsal

280. illuminated historiated initials 'L' and 'I' from
the Bible of Robert de Bello (c. 1240 - c.1253)
• Illuminated historiated initials 'L‘ and ‘I‘, [L](iber) ge(ne)sis. [I]n principio
creavit D(eu)s caelum et terram, Genesis 1:1. Shows the nine orders of
angels; in the seven large roundels are the Fall of the Rebel Angels and the
Creation, and the Trinity enthroned; and in the six smaller roundels are
scenes of Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel, and the Sacrifice
of Isaac at the beginning of Genesis.
Bible with prologues, without Psalms ('The Bible of Robert de Bello')
England, S. E. (Canterbury?) (c. 1240 - c.1253)
Burney 3 f. 5v, The British Library London.
• http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=big&IllID=3242
• http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/record.asp?MSID=8789&CollID=18&NStart=3
• http://prodigi.bl.uk/illcat/results.asp

284. Historiated initials 'S', 'B',
from the Carrow Psalter (c.1250)
• The Carrow Psalter manuscript was made in East Anglia in the mid-
thirteenth-century for a patron with special veneration for St. Olaf, whose life
and martyrdom is prominently portrayed in the "Beatus" initial of Psalm 1.
Known as the "Carrow Psalter," due to its later use by the nunnery of
Carrow near Norwich.
Walters Manuscript W.34, The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.
• Folio 042r, Psalm 1:1, historiated initial "B“[eatus vir], Story of St. Olaf.
• Folio 131r, Psalm 68:2, historiated initial "S“[alvum me fac], Sailors throw
Jonah overboard/Jonah in mouth of whale.
• http://www.thedigitalwalters.org/Data/WaltersManuscripts/html/W34/description.html
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/medmss/6979159895/in/pool-678065@N22%7Cmedmss

290. Historiated initials from the
Psalter of Saint Louis (c.1270-1274)
• Historiated initials from the Psalter of Saint Louis, an illuminated psalter created for
the saint King Louis IX of France c.1270-1274.
Psautier dit de saint Louis, MS Latin 10525, Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France.
• F. 085v, Psalm 1:1, initial B[eatus vir], David et Bethsabée ; David priant
• F. 141v, Psalm 52:1, initial D[ixit insipiens in cordo suo], David priant ; deux hommes
luttant
• F. 156v, Psalm 68:2, initial S[alvum me fac Deus], David priant ; David dans les
eaux.
• F. 175r, Psalm 80:1, initial E[xultate Deo adjutari nostro], David priant ; musicien.
• F. 210r, Psalm 109:1, initial D[ixit Dominus domino meo], David priant ; la Trinité.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8447877n/f184.image
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8447877n/f296.item.r=Psautier
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8447877n/f326.item.r=Psautier

296. Historiated initials 'B', ' S'
from the Rutland Psalter c.1260
• The Rutland Psalter produced in England (London?), c. 1260, folios 190,
285 x 205 mm.
• Folio 8v, Psalm 1:1, historiated initial ‘B’(eatus vir ) of King David harping,
and the Judgement of Solomon, amidst men in combat astride lions and
dragons, with roundels containing scenes from Creation.
• Folio 68v, Psalm 68:2, historiated initial ‘S’(alvum me fac ) of Christ holding
a host, above Jonah being thrown from a boat to the whale below.
• Add MS 62925 , The British Library, London.
• http://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2013/05/marginali-yeah-the-fantastical-creatures-of-the-rutland-psalter.html
• http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=add_ms_62925_fs001r
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/zoom.php?id=734
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/images/004180.jpg

301. Historiated initials from
the Windmill Psalter (c.1270-80)
• Historiated initials B, E from the Windmill Psalter, East Anglia, England, late
13th century (c. 1270-80).
Ms. M 102, Pierpont Morgan Library, New York.
• Folio 1v, Psalm 1:1, initial B[eatus vir qui no abiit] with Tree of Jesse &
Creation.
• Folio 2r, Psalm 1:1, initial ‘E' (bEatus) with Judgement of Solomon. Above
Solomon is the windmill from which the psalter takes its name.
• http://erinzingre.blogspot.com/2010/11/visc-202-homework.html
• http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LB2YzsLB1eU/TOy5KsJY7UI/AAAAAAAAANg/fpUV4nDHpdc/s1600/illuminated03.jpg
• http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/721/flashcards/437721/png/windmill_psalter1305093272080.png
• http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/389/flashcards/866637/png/untitled8.png

303. Historiated initials from the
Ormesby Psalter (c.1300-1310)
• The Ormesby Psalter, Manuscript Douce 366, produced in East Anglia
between c.1300-c.1310. The manuscript has folios 214, 39.4 x 27.9 cm
and a number (11 pages) of beautiful historiated initial letters.
MS. Douce 366, Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, Oxford.
• Fol. 072r, Psalm 52:1, historiated initial D[ixit insipiens ] with Temptation of
Christ represented in three scenes.
• Fol. 089r, Psalm 68:2, historiated initial S[alvum me fac Deus]. Jonah and
the whale.
• Fol. 147v, Psalm 109:1, historiated initial D[ixit Dominus] : God the Father
and Christ enthroned.
• http://www.biblical-data.org/LATIN_Resources/LATIN_MSS_Images.html
• http://www.biblical-data.org/LATIN_Resources/Douce_366.jpg
• http://www.lib-art.com/imgpainting/3/4/14443-ormesby-psalter-english-miniaturist.jpg
• http://bodley30.bodley.ox.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/view/search?q=Ormesby%20Psalter&os=50

311. Historiated initial 'B' from the
Peterborough Psalter (c.1300-1318)
• In the initial B[eatus vir], King David is shown playing the harp, accompanied
by two other musicians, a dog and a heron, opening of Psalm 1 from the
Peterborough Psalter (c.1300-1318) now in Brussels.
Ms 9961-9962, Peterborough Psalter, Bibliotheque Royale, Brussels.
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/zoom.php?id=105
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/images/PETERBO2.jpg
• http://armourinart.com/mm/media/cache/original/1056-5_large.jpg

315. Historiated initials from the
Macclesfield Psalter (1320-1330)
• Historiated initials from Macclesfield Psalter (c.1320-30), probably from Gorleston,
Norfolk, England.
• Psalm 26:1, historiated initial D[ominus illuminatio] depicts the annointing of a
beardless boy king David by Samuel with dramatic, energetic gestures.
• Psalm 52:1, historiated initial D[ixit insipiens] depicts King David in seemingly startled
posture.
• Psalm 97:1, historiated initial C[antate Domino] depicts the Annunciation to the
Shepherds.
• Psalm 109:1, historiated initial D[ixit Dominus] depicting God the Father and Christ,
enthroned together.
• Psalm 114:9, historiated initial P[lacebo Domino] encloses a deathbed scene against
a gold background.
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/zoom.php?id=637
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/images/MaccPsalterimage4.jpg
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/zoom.php?id=642
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/images/MaccPsalterimage7.jpg
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/zoom.php?id=651
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/images/MaccPsalterimage17.jpg
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/zoom.php?id=653
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/images/MaccPsalterimage19.jpg
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/zoom.php?id=659
• http://www.english.cam.ac.uk/medieval/images/MaccPsalterimage25.jpg

325. illuminated initials from
a Homilary (c.1300 – 1350)
• This richly illuminated fourteenth-century German homilary is particularly interesting
for its rare bifolium of drawings bound in at the front of the book. The headgear worn
by the nuns in the drawings is characteristic of Cistercensian and Premostratensian
nuns in northern Germany as early as circa 1320.
• Walters Manuscript W.148.
• Folio 21r, full-page illumination, historiated initial D[icendum nobis est quod vel
quibus], Harrowing of Hell.
• Folio 46r, historiated initial H[ec est dies quam fecit dominus], The Resurrection.
• Folio 61r, historiated initial P[onunt mensam discipuli, panes cibos], The Supper at
Emmaus..
• Folio 63r, historiated initial E[xultandum nobis est fratres in hac die quam fecit
dominus], The Nativity.
• Fol. 98v, historiated initial H[ec est dies quam fecit] with Christ in Majesty.
• http://www.thedigitalwalters.org/Data/WaltersManuscripts/html/W148/
• http://www.thedigitalwalters.org/Data/WaltersManuscripts/html/W148/description.html
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/medmss/9415763305/

336. Historiated initials from the Hours of
Jeanne d'Evreux (c. 1324-1328)
• The Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux is an illuminated book of hours in the Gothic style
witch created c.1324 -1328 by Jean Pucelle (active in Paris, c. 1320 -1334) for
Jeanne d'Evreux, the third wife of Charles IV of France.
The 209 folios of The Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux include 25 full-page paintings with
paired images from the Infancy and Passion of Christ and scenes of the life of Saint
Louis.
Grisaille and tempera on vellum (8.9 x 6.2 cm).
The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.2), Metropolitan Museum, New-York .
• Folio 15v–16r, Psalm 50:17, initial D[omine labia mea aperies], The Betrayal of Christ
and The Annunciation.
• Folio 54v-55r, Psalm 69:2, initial D[eus in adjutorium], The Flagellation and the
Nativity.
• Folio 68v–69r, Psalm 69:2, initial D[eus in adjutorium], The Crucifixion and The
Adoration of the Magi.
• http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/images/arth_214images/manuscripts/jeanne_d_evreux/matins.jpg
• http://medievalimago.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ck23771.jpg
• http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/470309?img=10

343. Historiated initial 'S' from the Poésies
de Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1372-1377)
• Poésies de Guillaume de Machaut, published c. 1372-1377 in Paris.
Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1300 –1377), was a medieval French poet and
composer.
• Fol. 454, historiated initial S’ [amours ne fait par sa grace adoucir].
Ms Français 1584, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris, France.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b84490444/f929/

347. Illuminated initial letter ‘I’ Genesis
from the Wenceslas Bible (c. 1389)
• The Wenceslas Bible which produced c. 1389 for the King Wenceslaus IV.
The manuscript, written in german, consists of six volumes, 1176 folios of
parchment 53 cm x 36.5 cm.
• Folio 2v, Genesis 1:1, Illuminated initial letter ‘I’ [m anfang schuf gott himmel
und erde (?)].
• Ms Codex Vindobonensis 2759-2764, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek,
Vienna, Austria.
• https://gospelrenegades.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/in-beginning-wenceslas-14th.jpg
• http://freechristimages.org/images_illuminated/Initial_Letter_L_of_Genesis_Wenceslas_Bible_Illuminated_1389.jpg
• http://www.wga.hu/html_m/zgothic/miniatur/1351-400/3other/14_1351.html

351. Historiated initial 'B' on a psalter leaf
by Matteo Torelli (c.1410)
• Historiated initial B on a psalter leaf, on vellum (c.1410, Italy, Florence) by
Matteo Torelli (Maestro del Codice Squarcialupi) (1365-1442) . The
miniature illustrates the opening of the first psalm: Beatus vir qui non abiit in
consilio... Initial and text are surrounded by rich foliate borders with animals
and two nuns.
• Parchment 394 x 284 mm, miniature 160 x 170 mm.
• http://www.haughton.com/international-fairs/13/exhibits/259
• http://www.haughton.com/system/photo/2010/08/08/259/david_torelli_florenz_c1410.jpg

354. Historiated initial 'D' from a Gradual
by Cristoforo Cortese (c. 1410-1420)
• Historiated initial D from a Gradual (c.1410 -c. 1420) by the Italian
illuminator Cristoforo Cortese ( fl. Venice, c. 1399-before 1445)
The initial introduced the Introit to the Mass on Palm Sunday, D[omine ne
longe facias auxilium tuum a me].
230 x 165 mm,
The Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England.
• http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/explorer/index.php?qu=Category:illuminated*&oid=176544

356. Illuminated Initials M, H, H, H
from the Van Alphen Hours, (c.1450)
• The Van Alphen Hours illuminated manuscript, was made for a female patron,
possibly pictured on fol. 109r, in the mid fifteenth century. This Dutch Book of Hours,
originally richly illuminated by the workshop of the Master of Catherine of Cleves, the
manuscript now lacks all of its full-page miniatures, although the eight surviving
historiated initials speak to its original grandeur. Its rebinding in the seventeenth
century resulted in the loss of several folios and the reordering of many of the texts.
Walters Manuscript W.782, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.
• Folio 015r, initial H[ere du salste opdoen mine lippen] with the Apocalyptic Virgin and
Child.
• Folio 109r, initial H[ere ihu xpe leuende godes] with the Man of Sorrows, with praying
Donatrix.
• Folio 113r, initial H[ere in dijnre verbolghenheit] with Souls cast into Hellmouth.
• Folio 200r, initial M[i hebben omme beuanghen] with two souls kneeling in prayer in
Purgatory.
• http://www.thedigitalwalters.org/Data/WaltersManuscripts/html/W782/description.html
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/medmss/8162041654/
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/medmss/with/8162034892/

365. Historiated initial 'P' depicting Nativity
(15th century)
• Ms 1171 fol.9 Historiated initial 'P‘[uer natus est nobis] depicting Nativity,
from a gradual and antiphon (vellum), Italian School, (15th century).
Bibliotheque Municipale, Douai, France / Giraudon / The Bridgeman Art
Library.
• http://privatelibrary.typepad.com/the_private_library/2010/10/initial-letters-and-the-private-library.html
• http://www.easyart.com/canvas-prints/Italian-School/Historiated-initial-'P'-depicting-the-Nativity-from-a-gradual-
and-antiphon-305723.html?utm_campaign=mydeco&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=mydeco&utm_term=305723

368. IIluminated initials F, S, C, S, V
by Lorenzo Monaco (1395-1410)
• IIluminated initials F, S, C, S, V from the Antiphonaries (choir books) of Santa Maria degli Angeli,
Cod. Cor. 1, 5, 7, 8 and 13, by the Italian painter Lorenzo Monaco (c. 1370 - c. 1425)
Tempera and gold on parchment
• St John the Baptist in an initial F (1395-98) - (Cod. Cor. 8, folio 102) , (215 x 163 mm (initial)
Staatliche Museen, Berlin.
• Christ Giving the Keys to St Peter in an initial S (1395-98) - (Cod. Cor. 8, folio 134), (344 x 414
mm )
National Gallery of Art, Washington.
• The Last Judgment in an initial C (1406) - Antiphonary (Cod. Cor. 7, folio 124v), (315 x 265 mm)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
• King David in an initial S (1396) - Antiphonary (Cod. Cor. 1, folio 63), (223 x 204 mm)
Staatliche Museen, Berlin.
• The Ascension in an initial V (c. 1410) - Antiphonary (Cod. Cor. 3, folio 59), (402 x 327 mm)
Bernard H. Breslauer, New York.
• http://www.wga.hu/html_m/l/lorenzo/monaco/3/54monaco.html
• http://www.wga.hu/html_m/l/lorenzo/monaco/3/55monaco.html
• http://www.wga.hu/html_m/l/lorenzo/monaco/3/56monaco.html
• http://www.wga.hu/html_m/l/lorenzo/monaco/3/51monaco.html
• http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/l/lorenzo/monaco/3/58monaco.html

374. Historiated initials from the Hours of Gian
Galeazzo Visconti (c.1390-1430)
• The Hours of Giangaleazzo Visconti is a Roman-liturgy illuminated Book of Hours that
was commissioned by the ruler of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, in Italy in the late
14th century. A Book of Hours is a personal prayer book that contained, in part, the
Hours of the Virgin, a daily devotional that was popular at the time. This particular
Book of Hours was created by two master illuminators, beginning with Giovannino dei
Grassi before his death, and completed by Belbello da Pavia.
Biblioteca Nazionale in Florence.
• Psalm 69:2, Initial D[eus in adjutorium meum intende], Creation of Heaven and
Earth.
• Psalm 69:2, Initial D[eus in adjutorium meum intende], God Holding the Earth.
• Psalm 44:2, Initial E[ructavit cor meum verbum bonum], God, Adam, Eve, and the
Serpent.
• Psalm 68:2, initial S[alvum me fac, Deus], God - King David.
• Psalm 143:1, initial B[enedictus Dominus Deus meus], David and Goliath.
• http://www.etsy.com/listing/43098214/illuminated-manuscript-page-bible

385. Historiated initials from the Heures
de Louis de Savoie (c. 1401-1500)
• Heures de Louis de Savoie c. 1401-1500.
204 ff. , 285 × 195 mm
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris, France.
• fol. 123v, Iob 14:1, initial H[omo natus de muliere].
• fol. 124v, Iob 14:13, initial Q[uis mihi hoc tribuat].
• fol. 129v, Iob 17:1, initial S[piritus meus adtenuabitur].
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b105326055/f270.planchecontact.r=
• http://jessehurlbut.net/wp/mssart/?p=7232

389. Historiated Initial 'B' from a
Choir Psalter (c. 1444 - c. 1450)
• Historiated Initial 'B‘ from a Choir Psalter with Hymnal Master of the
Budapest Antiphoner from Lombardy Italy c. 1444 -c. 1450 .
David kneeling penitent before God and St Francis surrounded by angels
personifying Poverty, Obedience and Charity.
Marlay cutting It. 17
© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK.
• http://www-img.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/img/msspb/msspb3/Marlay%20Cutting%20It.%2017.jpg
• http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/explorer/index.php?qu=Category:illuminated*&oid=176541

391. Historiated initial ‘O’ the Coronation of
the Virgin (c.1440- c. 1460)
• Historiated initial ‘O’ of the Coronation of the Virgin in colours and gold,
monochrome choir of angels, medallions inhabited with saints, from North
Italy (Lombardy) at the 2nd quarter of the 15th century, by the Master of the
Franciscan Breviary (active in Lombardy and Emilia 1440 - c. 1460).
Cutting from a Missal, 44.4 x 41.0 cm.
Additional 60630, ff. 11 and 12, The British Library, London.
• http://booksnbuildings.tumblr.com/post/42758394083/f-featherbrain-additional-60630-ff-11-and-12
• http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/record.asp?MSID=18970&CollID=27&NStart=60630

393. 17 historiated initials from the Hours of
Charles of Angoulême, c. 1475-1500
• Horae ad usum Parisiensem (Hours of Charles of Angoulême), Cognac
France ca. 1475-1500, by the French illuminator and painter Robinet
Testard (fl. 1470–1531). Parchemt 115 ff. - 215 × 155 mm.
Folio 52r, 17 historiated initials AVE MARIA GRACIA PLE[NA].
Latin 1173, Bibliothèque nationale de France,Paris.
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8432895r/f113.item
• http://www.midorisnyder.com/the_labyrinth/2014/01/life-in-letters-a-calligrahpers-narrative.html
• http://discardingimages.tumblr.com/image/72587135220
• http://discardingimages.tumblr.com/post/72587135220/full-of-grace-hours-of-charles-of-angouleme

397. Historiated initials from 'The Natural
History of Pliny the Elder' (c.1481)
• Historiated initials ‘A', ‘D', ‘L', ‘N', from Naturalis historia (The Natural
History) of Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) (vellum). Artist: Italian School, (15th
century). Artist Nationality: Italian. Date: C15th. Medium: vellum. Location:
Biblioteca Marciana, Venice, Italy
• C. Plinii secundi naturalis historiae liber secundus .
• http://abundancesecrets.com/motivational-posters/index.php?item=1342672

402. Historiated initial 'P' of David
by Giuliano Amadei (c. 1484 – 1492)
• Historiated initial 'P‘[uer natus est], introducing the introit to the third Mass
for Christmas Day, of David and the prophet Isaiah in the margin seated, an
anthropomorphic female figure, peacocks, putti, garlands, flowers and
cornucopiae, produced c. 1484 - c. 1492 in Italy, Central (Rome).
Attributed to Giuliano Amadei (docum. in Florence 1446, d. in Lucca 1496).
Cutting from service books of Pope Innocent VIII, 105 x 140 mm.
Additional 21412, ff. 4, 45-65, The British Library, London.
•
http://prodigi.bl.uk/illcat/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=36491

404. Historiated initial 'D' from The Hours
of Isabella d’Este (c.1490)
• The Hours of Isabella d’Este, Use of Rome, in Latin, illuminated manuscript on
vellum, Florence Italy, c.1490.
• Psalm 50:17, initial D[omine labia mea].
• http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/western-manuscripts-minatures-l12241/lot.23.html

406. Historiated initial R from choirbook
by Attavante degli Attavanti (1452- 1525)
• Resurrrection of Christ. Historiated initial R from choirbook illuminated by
the Italian painter Attavante degli Attavanti (1452-ca. 1525) (© photo
Mends)
• http://ateliermends.blogspirit.com/archive/2011/week17/index.html

408. Historiated initial R: The Resurrection
by Antonio da Monza (c. 1480 - 1505)
• Historiated initial R[esurrexi et adhuc tecum sum, alleluia] : The
Resurrection from a gradual (late 15th or early 16th century) by the Italian
illuminator Antonio da Monza (active c. 1480 - 1505).
Tempera colors and gold leaf on parchment 64 x 43.5 cm.
MS. LUDWIG VI 3, FOL. 16, The J. Paul Getty Museum.
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Antonio_da_Monza_(Italian,_active_about_1480_-_1505)_-_Initial_R-_The_Resurrection_-
_Google_Art_Project.jpg
• http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=3455

411. Historiated and illuminated initial 'E'
(c. 1500)
• Historiated and illuminated initial 'E', exists as a fragment from a choirbook,
200 x 178 mm, was probably produced in Italy in about 1500, enclosing
eight popes and bishops.
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibliodyssey/2594330545/sizes/o/in/photostream/
• http://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2008/06/plethora.html
• http://www.sothebys.com/content/dam/stb/lots/L08/L08240/L08240-5-lr-1.jpg
• http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2008/western-oriental-manuscripts-l08240/lot.5.html

414. Illuminated initials 'D' from
the Colonna missal (c.1532)
• The Colonna Missal was made ca. 1532 for the Cardinal Pompeo Colonna (1479
-1532) and is now in the John Rylands University Library in Manchester. Latin MS 32,
370 mm x 260 mm .
Attributed to Giorgio Giulio Clovio or Juraj Julije Klović (1498 – 1578) an illuminator,
miniaturist, and painter born in Kingdom of Croatia, who was mostly active in
Renaissance Italy.
• Folio 001r, decorated initial D formed with genii and woman growing out of
conventional foliage and St John the Baptist in the central oval. Text on the top :
Dominica tertia de aduentu statio ad sanctum | Petrum. Introitus, Below this the text.
Gaudete in domino semper.
• Folio 079r, historiated initial D {toDe uentre ntatris mee uocmiit me) formed with
Hercules holding up Antaeus and the many-breasted Ephesian Artemis and
Zacharius in the central oval. Text on the top: In natiuitate sancti io/annis baptiste.
• http://enriqueta.man.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/view/search?
QuickSearchA=QuickSearchA&q=Colonna+Missal+Latin+MS+32&sort=Reference_Number%2CPage
%2CCurrent_Repository&search=Search
• http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/71/Giulio_Clovio_001.jpg
• http://en.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/249171#cite_ref-17

421. Historiating initials from the
Chansonnier de Zeghere van Male (1542)
• Chansonnier de Zeghere van Male, Bruges 1542.
Mss. 0125 - 0128 (old 124), Bibliothèque Municipale de Cambrai, France.
• The ‘Songbook of Zeghere van Male’ is undeniably one of the most intriguing Western-European music
manuscripts due to both its content and its formal appearance. The four bulky partbooks contain over 1200
pages, all of which are provided with one or more illuminations or miniatures of extraordinary quality. The 229
compositions, often in an exceptional (local) reading, offer an overview of the most important genres of the first
half of the 16th century.
• The French chanson, the mass and the Latin motet are best represented, though the songbook also includes
some Italian madrigals and several Dutch polyphonic songs and works for instrumental ensemble. The
composers are situated both internationally (Josquin, Mouton, Willaert, Sermisy) and more regionally (De Hondt,
Hellinck). As the place and year of its origin ( Bruges , 1542) as well as its owner (Zeghere van Male, a prominent
tradesman and chronicler) are known, this manuscript is a truly unique period document.
• ms. 0126, B f. 132v, initial A[ve Regina Caelorum, Ave Domina Angelorum].
• ms. 0127, A f. 004v, initial A[ve sanctissima Maria].
• ms. 0125, B f. 027v, initial A[gnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi].
• ms. 0125, B f. 027v, initial A[gnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi].
• ms. 0127, B f. 023r, initial A[gnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi].
• ms. 0127, B f. 033r, initial A[gnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi].
• ms. 0125, B f. 022v, initial B[enedictus qui venit in nomine Domini].
• ms. 0126, B f. 019v, initial C[hriste eleison].

422. • ms. 0125, B f. 049v, initial E[t in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis].
• ms. 0125, B f. 058v, initial E[t in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis].
• ms. 0125, B f. 083v, initial E[t incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto].
• ms. 0126, B f. 076v, initial E[t resurrexit tertia die secundum Scripturas].
• ms. 0128, B f. 060v, initial E[t resurrexit tertia die secundum Scripturas].
• ms. 0125, B f. 039r, initial H[aec est generatio quaerentium eum].
• ms. 0128, B f. 039r, initial H[aec est generatio quaerentium eum].
• ms. 0125, B f. 048v, initial K[yrie eleison].
• ms. 0125, B f. 094r, initial K[yrie eleison].
• ms. 0125, B f. 110r, initial K[yrie eleison].
• ms. 0126, B f. 024r, initial K[yrie eleison].
• ms. 0127, B f. 024r, initial K[yrie eleison].
• ms. 0128, B f. 049r, initial K[yrie eleison].
• ms. 0128, B f. 110r, initial K[yrie eleison].
• ms. 0128, B f. 057r, initial L[ocutus est populi ad deus].
• ms. 0127, B f. 064r, initial N[e timeas Zacharia exaudita est oratio tua].
• ms. 0125, B f. 032v, initial O[sanna in Exelsis].
• ms. 0125, B f. 069v, initial O[sanna in Exelsis].
• ms. 0127, B f. 032v, initial O[sanna in Exelsis].
• ms. 0125, B f. 056v, initial P[anis quem ego dabo].
• ms. 0125, B f. 033v, initial Q[uam pulchra es, Amica mea, columba mea, Formosa mea].
• ms. 0127, B f. 033v, initial Q[uam pulchra es, Amica mea, columba mea, Formosa mea].
• ms. 0126, B f. 036v, initial Q[uam pulchra et quam decora, carissima in deliciis] (Jean Mouton).
• ms. 0128, B f. 122r, initial Q[ui lara lara la gentille brunette] (Benedictus Appenzeller).
• ms. 0126, B f. 118r, initial S[ancta Trinitas unus Deus miserere nobis].
• http://bvmm.irht.cnrs.fr/consult/consult.php?reproductionId=9970
• http://bvmm.irht.cnrs.fr/consult/consult.php?reproductionId=9971
• http://bvmm.irht.cnrs.fr/consult/consult.php?reproductionId=9972
• http://bvmm.irht.cnrs.fr/consult/consult.php?reproductionId=9973
• http://alamirefoundation.org/en/research/partbooks-zeghere-van-male-study-content-form-and-meaning-extraordinary-music-manuscript-wi

459. Human Alphabets 1
( 740 - 1542 )
Sources
• http://www.google.gr/imghp
• http://gallica.bnf.fr/
• http://www.bl.uk/
• http://www.danielmitsui.com/hieronymus/index.blog?entry_id=1867520
• http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/search_object_details.aspx?
objectid=720859&partid=1&searchText=alphabet&numpages=10&orig=/research
• http://www.codex99.com/typography/50.html
• http://blog.metmuseum.org/penandparchment/exhibition-images/01dr2_49d/
• http://www.codex99.com/typography/50.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg_Bede
• http://expositions.bnf.fr/carolingiens/livres_web/81/index.htm
• http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albani-Psalter
• http://www.biblical-data.org/LATIN_Resources/LATIN_MSS_Images.html
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Evangelistar_von_Speyer
• http://www.haughton.com/international-fairs/13/exhibits/259
• http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=3455
• http://www.abdn.ac.uk/stalbanspsalter/english/commentary/page072.shtml
• http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/exhibns/month/may2007.html
• http://bvmm.irht.cnrs.fr/consult/consult.php?reproductionId=9970
• All the copyrights belong to the original authors
presentation by sotos