Jerusalem from BL Eg 1070, f. 5
Full-page miniature of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock Image taken from f. 5 of Book of Hours, Use of Paris ('The Hours of René d'Anjou'). Written in Latin, calendar and rubrics in French. The Egerton Manus... More
Seated scribe from BL YT 26, f. 2
Miniature of a scribe writing at a desk (thought to be Bede), from the preface to Bede's prose Life of St Cuthbert. Image taken from f. 2 of Prose Life of Cuthbert; extracts from the Historia Ecclesiastica (His... More
Canon table from BL Royal 1 E VI, f. 6
Canon table with a zoomorphic decoration in the 'Trewhiddle Style'. Image taken from f. 6 of Gospels, imperfect (the 'Royal Bible'). Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the Roya... More
The symbol of the Evangelist St. John: the eagle
St. Mark was a disciple of St. Peter and is believed to have accompanied him on his missionary journeys. According to tradition, he was the first bishop of Alexandria and was martyred for his faith. He is remem... More
The Evangelist St. Luke - miniature, medieval manuscript
Public domain reproduction of illuminated book page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description. St. Mark was a disciple of St. Peter and is believed to have accompanied him on his missi... More
"Sultan Bayazid before Timur", Folio from an Akbarnama (History of Ak...
Public domain photo of a golden object, Pakistan, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
The sword is given to Arthur from BL Add 10292, f. 100
The Archbishop presents the sword to Arthur before the people. The inscription on the stone is: 'Whoever pulls this sword out will be king of the land.' Image taken from f. 100 of L'estoire del Saint Graal (ff... More
Annunciation from BL King's 7, f. 7
Detail of a miniature of the Annuncation. Image taken from f. 7 of Book of Hours, Use of Rome. Written in Latin. The Annunciation is a biblical event in which the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to a... More
Decorated scribal formula from BL Or 2393, f. 329v
Decorated scribal formula at the end of Tractate Neziqim. Image taken from f. 329v of Fragment of the commentary on Seder Nashim of the Mishnah. Written in Judeo-Arabic.
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
Zoroaster from BL YT 28, f. 51 - Public domain dedication image
Detail of a mminiature of Zoroaster with two demons, from Pseudo-Aristotle's Secreta secretorum. Image taken from f. 51 of Secreta secretorum (ff. 1-43); Il Tesoro (translation of Li Livres dou Tresor) (ff. 43v... More
Abû Jahl, Muhammad's most prominent opponent in Mecca, is angered at p...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
The seated Muhammad discusses prophethood with members of the Quraysh...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Abû Jahl, his speech restored, again urges the people to abandon their...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Jibrîl (Gabriel) invites Hazrat Muhammad for his night journey (the Mi...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Muhammad, seated before a mihrab made of inlaid wood, talks to the lea...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Abû Lahab and his followers hurl stones at Muhammad and Abû Bakr at th...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Umm Hakîm, in white robes and a black net face veil, seated before the...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Muhammad visits Abû Tâlib, who is his uncle and head of the Banû Hâshi...
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Jamshîd enthroned flanked by an angel and a swordbearer.
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, classical or archaic, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Rustam kills Alkûs. - Persian manuscript
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
The baby Rustam in swaddling clothes is suckled by one of his ten wet ...
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, classical or archaic, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Garshâsp hits a lion with his mace.
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14ht-15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Rûdâba giving birth to Rustam. - Public domain dedication image
Public domain image of medieval and early renaissance painting, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
The king of Hâmâvarân sues Rustam for peace.
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
The birth of Rustam. - miniature, medieval manuscript
Life of the Prophet Muhammad written at the order of the Mamluk sultan al-Mansûr 'Alâ' al-Dîn 'Alî (d. 778/1376). The work was first illustrated during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murâd III.
Wrathful Eight-armed and Three-faced Goddess Tara Marichi, Leaf from a...
Public domain reproduction of artwork, classical or archaic, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Green Tara, Folio from a dispersed Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perf...
Picryl description: Public domain image related to Tibetan Buddhism, sculpture, monument, painting, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
John the Baptist from BL Eg 1139, f. 206
Detail of miniature of John the Baptist. Image taken from f. 206 of Psalter (The 'Melisende Psalter') with canticles, prayers, and litany. Written in Latin. The Egerton Manuscript Collection is named after its... More
Green Tara Dispensing Boons to Ecstatic Devotees: Folio from a Manuscr...
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, classical or archaic, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Green Tara, Folio from a dispersed Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Perf...
Picryl description: Public domain image related to Tibetan Buddhism, sculpture, monument, painting, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Haggai from BL Harley 2803, f. 281
Detail of a historiated initial 'I'(n anno) depicting the standing prophet holding a scroll, at the beginning of Haggai (Aggaeus). Image taken from f. 281 of Bible (the 'Worms Bible') (index Frankenthal Bible),... More
Six-Armed Avalokiteshvara Expounding the Dharma: Folio from a Manuscri...
Public domain reproduction of artwork, classical or archaic, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Decorated headpiece and initial from BL Arundel 529, ff. 5v-6
Simple headpiece and intial 'T'(on) in an extract from Cyril of Scythopolis's Life of Euthymius of Palestine. Image taken from ff. 5v-6 of Theological extracts and various letters. Written in Greek. The Arunde... More
Initial D: Zacchaeus and Christ
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
The baptism of Christ by St. John the Baptist, an angel holds Christ's...
Public domain photograph of medieval art, miniature, 14th-century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
The arrest of Christ: the kiss of Judas
According to the account in the Gospel of Matthew, Judas agreed to betray Jesus to the religious authorities in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. At the Last Supper, Jesus identified Judas as his betrayer, ... More
A close up of a piece of paper with writing on it. Calligraphy the mid...
A close up of a page from a book. Public domain stock photographs related to music and performing arts.
Purgatory: Dante observes the lustful from BL Eg 943, f. 110
Framed miniature of Dante (with Statius and Virgil) observing the lustful. Image taken from f. 110 of Divina Commedia (index Divine Comedy): Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso, with a short Latin commentary; the Cap... More
Manuscript Illumination with the Visitation in an Initial D, from a Ch...
Spanish Forger (French, active late 19th–early 20th century) Public domain reproduction of French medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Decorated title page from BL Add 27210, f. 2
Decorated title page depicting an arcade resting on mermaid caryatids and on columns decorated with gold flowers. In the middle of the arch, there is an angel's head with wings. Early seventeenth-century decora... More
Arrival of Rollo in Normandy from BL YT 33, f. 1
Detail of a miniature of the arrival of Duke Rollo in Normandy, with the city of Rouen on the left. Image taken from f. 1 of Grande Chronique de Normandie. Written in French. Henry Yates Thompson (1838-1928) w... More
Lancelot from BL Royal 14 E III, f. 146
Detail of a miniature of Lancelot in conversation with a lady who is holding a small black and white dog. Image taken from f. 146 of Estoire del Saint Graal, La Queste del Saint Graal, Morte Artu. Written in Fr... More
Ghent from BL Royal 14 E IV, f. 121
Detail of a miniature of a military expedition from Ghent, at the beginning of book 3. Image taken from f. 121 of Recueil des croniques d’Engleterre. Written in French. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also... More
Scenes from Roman history from BL Harley 4375, f. 179
Miniature with six scenes from Roman history. Image taken from f. 179 of Les Fais et les Dis des Romains et de autres gens (index Memorabilia, index Facta et Dicta Memorabilia) (part 2, vol. 1). Written in Fren... More
The battle on Salisbury Plain from BL Add 10294, f. 93
Miniature of the battle between King Arthur and Mordred's armies on Salisbury Plain. Image taken from f. 93 of La Queste del Saint Graal (ff. 2-53); Morte Artu (ff. 53-96). Written in French.
St. Mary Magdalene holding a book
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Cleriadus and Meliadice from BL Royal 20 C II, f. 159
Detail of a miniature of Cleriadus and Meliadice with three pairs of dancers. Image taken from f. 159 of Cleriadus et Meliadice, Historia Apollonii regis Tyri. Written in French. The BL Royal Manuscript Collec... More
The parable of the Good Samaritan
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14ht-15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Battle of Hastings from BL YT 33, f. 155v
Detail of a miniature of the Battle of Hastings. Image taken from f. 155v of Grande Chronique de Normandie. Written in French. Henry Yates Thompson (1838-1928) was a British collector and philanthropist who as... More
Henry VIII from BL Eg 2572, f. 8
Miniature of a bust of Henry VIII. Image taken from f. 8 of Guild Book of the Barber Surgeons of York, including its ordinances. Written in English and Latin. The Egerton Manuscript Collection is named after i... More
Rowona and Vortigern from BL Eg 3028, f. 20
Drawing of Rowona giving Vortigern the wassail cup. Image taken from f. 20 of Roman de Brut, a verse epitome (begins imperfectly) with continuation to Edward III; Destruction de Rome; Fierabras. Written in Fren... More
Scenes from history from BL Harley 4374, f. 88
Miniature, prefacing Book II, arranged in three registers: 'Octovien' (Augustus) holding court; Fulvius Flaccus at the siege of Capua; the capture of Capua. Arms of Philippe de Comines (quartered with that of ... More
Mass from BL YT 11, f. 6v - Public domain dedication image
Miniature of a mass attended by officials of a nunnery inside a church. On the right, a priest, in chasuble, is at the altar, with a deacon, an abbess with book and crozier, and nuns, including the sacristan pu... More
Plymouth Rock from "The Child's Book of Poetry. A selection of poems, ...
This image has been taken from scan 000159 from "The Child's Book of Poetry. A selection of poems, ballads and hymns". The title and subject terms of this image have been generated from tags, created by users o... More
The giant and the harlot from BL Eg 943, f. 124
Detail of a framed miniature of Statius and Dante observing the giant and the harlot in an embrace. Image taken from f. 124 of Divina Commedia (index Divine Comedy): Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso, with a short ... More
Two knights jousting from BL Harley 4205, f. 14
Detail of the lower half of the folio, with two knights jousting. Image taken from f. 14 of Anonymous verses on the kings of England, to Henry VI, unfinished (manuscript also known as Sir Thomas Holme's Book of... More
Notes from BL Arundel 263, f. 207
Notes. Image taken from f. 207 of Notebook ('The Codex Arundel'). Written in Italian. The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl of Arundel (15... More
Detail from BL Sloane 1977, f. 50
Detail of the upper 2 registers of a full-page miniature with scenes of various medical consultations, including a physician holding up a urine glass. Image taken from f. 50 of Circa instans (index Herbal). Wri... More
Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot from BL Royal 14 E III, f. 89
Detail of a miniature of Arthur and Guinevere at a banquet, while Lancelot kneels before them, requesting permission to leave the court, with a rebec player in the margin. Image taken from f. 89 of Estoire del ... More
Hyena from BL Harley 4751, f. 10
Detail of a miniature of a hyena (Yena) devouring a human corpse, which it pulls from a tomb. Image taken from f. 10 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "B... More
Nascien from BL Royal 14 E III, f. 68
Detail of a miniature of an admiral in a passing ship giving Nascien some food. Image taken from f. 68 of Estoire del Saint Graal, La Queste del Saint Graal, Morte Artu. Written in French. The BL Royal Manuscr... More
Wheel of Fortune from BL Stowe 54, f. 197
Detail of a miniature of the wheel of fortune. Image taken from f. 197 of Histoire ancienne jusqu'à César. Written in French.
The Magi from BL Royal 1 D X, f. 2
Detail of a miniature from the prefatory cycle of the Magi before Herod. Image taken from f. 2 of Psalter (index Old Testament, Bible). Written in Latin. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the R... More
Bonagiunta and Dante from BL Eg 943, f. 106
Framed miniature of the gluttonous; Bonagiunta and Dante; Statius and Virgil. Image taken from f. 106 of Divina Commedia (index Divine Comedy): Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso, with a short Latin commentary; the ... More
f. 277v, displayed as an open bifolium with f. 272: notes and sketches...
Notes and sketches on mechanics. Image taken from f. 277v of Notebook ('The Codex Arundel'). Written in Italian. The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, ... More
Scene from Roman history from BL Harley 4375, f. 179
Detail of the centre section of the miniatures: the spend-thrift son of Aesopus, the tragedian, feasts on costly song birds. Image taken from f. 179 of Les Fais et les Dis des Romains et de autres gens (index M... More
Roman history from BL Harley 4375, f. 123
Detail of a miniature with a scene from Roman history. Image taken from f. 123 of Les Fais et les Dis des Romains et de autres gens (index Memorabilia, index Facta et Dicta Memorabilia) (part 2, vol. 1). Writte... More
Drawing from BL Harley 2407, f. 68
Drawing of an eagle, a snake, a man and a frog, with a legend below. Image taken from f. 68 of Miscellaneous treatises on alchemy, including John Lydgate's 'The Churl and the Bird' (the latter imperfect at the ... More
Penitence, devotion, and contemplation from BL YT 11, f. 29
Detail of a miniature divided in four compartments: a nun's vision of the Trinity. Image taken from f. 29 of 'La Sainte Abbaye' (ff. 2-7); a treatise on love (ff. 7-28); Livres de l'estat de l'ame (ff. 28v-51v)... More
Joseph tells his dream about the sun, moon and stars to Jacob and his ...
Public domain scan of a medieval manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Dante and Virgil from BL YT 36, f. 14
Detail of a miniature of Dante and Virgil being rowed across the river Styx by a demon rower, Phlegyas, and Dante and Virgil at the brazen gates of the city of Dis, in illustration of Canto VIII. Image taken fr... More
Edmund's head from BL Harley 2278, f. 66
Detail of a miniature of Edmund's head calling out "Here! Here! Here!" all day long until the men searching for it found it hidden in a thicket, being guarded from predatory animals by a wolf. Image taken from ... More
The martyrdom of St. James the Less: he is stoned and beaten to death
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14ht-15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Monoceros (unicorn) from BL Harley 4751, f. 15
Miniature of a monoceros (unicorn). Image taken from f. 15 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval ma... More
William the Conqueror and William Rufus from BL YT 33, f. 176
Detail of a miniature of the funeral of William the Conqueror in the Abbaye aux hommes at Caen; on the right, a miniature of Lanfranc crowning William Rufus before a watching group of men, from the Grande Chron... More
Rollo and his descendants from BL Royal 14 B VI, Membrane 5
Detail from the roll of the dukes of Normandy: Rollo, William, and Richard, with seven roundels showing Richard's children. Image taken from Membrane 5 of Genealogical roll of the kings of England. Written in ... More
Roman history from BL Harley 4375, f. 123
Detail of a miniature with a scene from Roman history. Image taken from f. 123 of Les Fais et les Dis des Romains et de autres gens (index Memorabilia, index Facta et Dicta Memorabilia) (part 2, vol. 1). Writte... More
Black Horse from BL Royal 19 B XV, f. 10
Miniature of John with a symbol of Luke and the vision of the Black Horse, a portent of famine, illustrating the opening of the Third Seal (Revelation 6: 5). Image taken from f. 10 of Apocalypse, with commentar... More
Rome from BL Royal 16 G I, f. 9
Detail of a miniature of the senators of Rome giving a decree regarding sending malefactors out as colonists, while in the foreground, cattle are being driven on board a ship. Image taken from f. 9 of Chronicle... More
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
![Wapen / van N.N. [van] Erp - Public domain medieval manuscript](https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn8/L3Bob3RvLzIwMTYvMDUvMTQvd2FwZW4tdmFuLW5uLXZhbi1lcnAtNjIwM2VlLTEwMjQuanBn/40/29/webp "Wapen / van N.N. [van] Erp - Public domain medieval manuscript")
Wapen / van N.N. [van] Erp - Public domain medieval manuscript
Public domain image of a coat of arms, genealogy, heraldry, aristocracy, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description
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. The BL Royal Manuscript Collection, also known as the Royal Collection, consists ... More
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. The Arundel Manuscript Collection was amassed by the Howard family, particularly Thomas Howard, the 2nd Earl ... More
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
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. The Arundel Manuscript ... More
Roman history from BL Harley 4375, f. 123
Miniatures with four scenes from Roman history. Image taken from f. 123 of Les Fais et les Dis des Romains et de autres gens (index Memorabilia, index Facta et Dicta Memorabilia) (part 2, vol. 1). Written in Fr... More
Cuthbert at a synod from BL YT 26, f. 53v
Miniature of Cuthbert accepting the bishopric at a synod of fellow monks, from Chapter 24 of Bede's prose Life of St Cuthbert. Image taken from f. 53v of Prose Life of Cuthbert; extracts from the Historia Eccle... 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
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. The "BL Harley Manuscript" refers to a collection of medieval manuscripts held in the B... More
The apostles awake Christ to still the storm on the sea of Galilee
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14ht-15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Samuel anoints David; the coronation of David
Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14ht-15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Six Ages of the World from BL YT 31, f. 77
Circular diagram of the Six Ages of the World, with an angel at the centre with outspread arms. Each of the Ages of the World is represented by an emblematic scene. First Age (from Adam to Noah): the expulsi... More
St. Erasmus of Formiae taken prisoner
Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Galahad from BL Royal 14 E III, f. 91
Detail of a miniature of Galahad withdrawing a sword from a floating marble block, while a mounted young woman arrives to question Lancelot. Image taken from f. 91 of Estoire del Saint Graal, La Queste del Sain... More
Charlemagne from BL Eg 3028, f. 113
Drawing of Charlemagne and Richard slaying Agolafre. Image taken from f. 113 of Roman de Brut, a verse epitome (begins imperfectly) with continuation to Edward III; Destruction de Rome; Fierabras. Written in Fr... More
Cow from BL Harley 4751, f. 23 - Public domain medieval manuscript
Detail of a miniature of woman milking a cow, who is licking its calf. Image taken from f. 23 of Bestiary, with extracts from Giraldus Cambrensis on Irish birds. Written in Latin. The "BL Harley Manuscript" re... More
Hengist from BL Eg 3028, f. 27 - Public domain document scan of drawin...
Drawing of Hengist takings refuge at Conisborough. Image taken from f. 27 of Roman de Brut, a verse epitome (begins imperfectly) with continuation to Edward III; Destruction de Rome; Fierabras. Written in Frenc... More
Creation from BL Eg 1894, f. 1 - Public domain medieval manuscript
Detail of a miniature in the upper register on the right side, of the Second day of Creation, with God creating the firmament in the midst of the waters. Image taken from f. 1 of Egerton Genesis Picture Book. W... More