Medieval manuscripts

This illuminated Book of Hours was produced in the second quarter of the fifteenth century. It is written in the Netherlandish translation of Geert Grote. Although lacking in full-page miniatures, the manuscript contains eighteen historiated initials by the Masters of Zweder van Culemborg with ornamental initials and decoration throughout. To explore fully digitized manuscripts with a virtual page-turning application, please visit Walters Ex Libris.

We might think we have a general grasp of the period in European history immortalized in theme restaurant form as 'Medieval Times.' After all, writes Amy White at Medievalists.net, “from tattoos to video games to Game of Thrones, medieval iconography has long inspired fascination, imitation and veneration.” The market for swordplay, armor, quests, and sorcery has never been so crowded.

Just as they are today, university students were big consumers of books in the Middle Ages. Learn about illuminated textbooks in law, medicine, and more.

View auction details, art exhibitions and online catalogues; bid, buy and collect contemporary, impressionist or modern art, old masters, jewellery, wine, watches, prints, rugs and books at sotheby's auction house

Why were the artists of that era so obsessed with depicting murderous rabbits? See the examples and read the explanation in this eye-opening post!

The Fitzwilliam Museum has brought together some dazzling, intricate manuscripts, whose colours foreshadow modern art … in the middle ages

Cover title: Medieval ornament from the 11th to the 14th century

Lancelot du Lac, Northeastern France, perhaps in Saint-Quentin or Laon, between 1310 and 1315

View high resolution digitized images of Bodleian Library MS. Douce 112 Book of Hours, Use of Rome