Nicolas Spierinc - Decorated Text Page, Antwerp

Nicolas Spierinc was a Flemish illuminator and scribe who worked in the late 1400s. He is known for his work on several illuminated manuscripts, including the Breviarium Grimani, now in the Biblioteca Marciana in Venice. Spierinc was born in Bruges, Belgium, and it is likely that he trained as a scribe and illuminator in the city. Throughout his career he worked for a variety of patrons, including members of the Burgundian court and the wealthy merchant class. One of Spierinc's most notable works is the Breviarium Grimani, which he produced in collaboration with several other artists. This manuscript is a liturgical book containing prayers, hymns and readings for use in the Roman Catholic Church. It is famous for its intricate illuminations, which include detailed borders and miniature paintings. In addition to his work on manuscripts, Spierinc also created individual illuminated pages and panel paintings. Some of his surviving works include a Book of Hours and a depiction of Saint John the Baptist. Overall, Nicolas Spierinc was a skilled and highly respected illuminator and scribe whose work contributed to the rich artistic tradition of the Flemish Renaissance.