NYPL's Public Domain Archive. Not developed or endorsed by NYPL. Part of the World's largest public domain source PICRYL.com.

Medieval Illuminated Pages, NYPL

Medieval illuminated manuscripts miniatures and initials.Created by: NYPL's Public Domain ArchiveDated: 1450
Full-page miniature of Noah's sons mocking him.
The New York Public Library possesses one of the largest and finest collections of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts in North America, yet its manuscript holdings are scarcely known to scholars, much less to a wide public audience. Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts are vehicles of the collective memory of western European culture, and provide a material connection between the scribes, illuminators, and patrons who produced these works and the audiences who view them today.

The New York Public Library comprises simultaneously a set of scholarly research collections and a network of community libraries, and its intellectual and cultural range is both global and local, while singularly attuned to New York City. That combination lends to the Library an extraordinary richness. It is special also in being historically a privately managed, nonprofit corporation with a public mission, operating with both private and public financing in a century-old, still evolving private-public partnership. Last year, over 16 million New Yorkers visited the library, and over 25 million used its website. The NYPL Digital Gallery provides free and open access to over 640,000 images digitized from the The New York Public Library's vast collections, including not just photographs but illuminated manuscripts, historical maps, vintage posters, rare prints and more. Digital projects and partnerships at NYPL are managed by the Digital Experience Group, a 21-person team of programmers, designers and producers dedicated to expanding and enhancing all points of computer and Web-mediated interaction with the library's collections, services and staff.
505 Media in collectionpage 5 of 6
Full-page miniature showing God and angles, and men feeding birds.

Full-page miniature showing God and angles, and men feeding birds.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Rubric and full-page miniature showing a battle.

Rubric and full-page miniature showing a battle.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Full-page miniature. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Full-page miniature. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Rubric and full-page miniature of Samuel and Saul.

Rubric and full-page miniature of Samuel and Saul.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with drawing of tower of Babel.

Text with drawing of tower of Babel.

Picryl description: Public domain illustrated book page scan, free to use, no copyright restrictions drawing image.

Text with red and blue initials, rubrics, map with small drawings of cities.
Text with red and blue initials.  Map.

Text with red and blue initials. Map.

Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14ht-15th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Second large initial, one-line red initials, notes in margin.

Second large initial, one-line red initials, notes in margin.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Large and small initial, placemarkers and rubrics, marginal note.

Large and small initial, placemarkers and rubrics, marginal note.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Te igitur, historiated initial, Priest at altar

Te igitur, historiated initial, Priest at altar

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Adoration of the Magi - Public domain medieval manuscript

Adoration of the Magi - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature showing Seneca, lying dead in the bloody water of his tub, his arm hanging over the side; Pompeia, still alive, kneels in her tub holding a knife point to the inside of her elbow as blood spreads through the water.  Initial, border design.

Miniature showing Seneca, lying dead in the bloody water of his tub, h...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated book page, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature.  New hand?  Small initials and placemarkers.

Miniature. New hand? Small initials and placemarkers.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Divine service according to the Greek Orthodox rite ff. 274-275

Divine service according to the Greek Orthodox rite ff. 274-275

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Explicit, border, and placemarkers.

Explicit, border, and placemarkers.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of main text -- gothic script erased and humanistic written in.  3-line initial and border design.

Opening of main text -- gothic script erased and humanistic written in...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Gold initials and hand in different size.

Gold initials and hand in different size.

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Explicit of main text. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Explicit of main text. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of text, large initial with penwork, smaller initial, rubrics, placemarkers, hand 1.

Opening of text, large initial with penwork, smaller initial, rubrics,...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature of the Circumcision. Border design, rubrics, placemarkers.

Miniature of the Circumcision. Border design, rubrics, placemarkers.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Small initials, line-fillers, and catchword.

Small initials, line-fillers, and catchword.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Page of text with placemarkers and rubric; miniature.

Page of text with placemarkers and rubric; miniature.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Full-page miniature. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Full-page miniature. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Rubric and full-page miniature showing God showering down bread.

Rubric and full-page miniature showing God showering down bread.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with placemarkers, rubric and large red initial; portrait of Jacob in one column.

Text with placemarkers, rubric and large red initial; portrait of Jaco...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with rubric and placemarkers.  Miniature over two pages of Moses and companions.

Text with rubric and placemarkers. Miniature over two pages of Moses ...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with rubric and placemarkers.  Miniature showing a battle.

Text with rubric and placemarkers. Miniature showing a battle.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with rubric, placemarkers, and large red initial with green flourishes.  In one column, portrait of a man.

Text with rubric, placemarkers, and large red initial with green flour...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with rubrics, placemarkers, large red initial with floral design.  Half-page miniature of a man burning wheat.

Text with rubrics, placemarkers, large red initial with floral design....

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with red and blue initials, map with small drawings of unlabelled cities.

Text with red and blue initials, map with small drawings of unlabelled...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Page of text with rubrics, initials and drawing of Tower of Babel.

Page of text with rubrics, initials and drawing of Tower of Babel.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of "De bello Jugurthino." Large gold initial on blue field with white vinestem, capitals. Marginal note.

Opening of "De bello Jugurthino." Large gold initial on blue field wit...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of text.  Large multi-colored initial (including gold), smaller red initial.  Rubrics, placemarkers.

Opening of text. Large multi-colored initial (including gold), smalle...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

6-line green initial on gold field with vines and flowers in border, music and small initials.
Opening of text, large painted initial with angel figure pasted in, rubric, placemarkers, hand 1.

Opening of text, large painted initial with angel figure pasted in, ru...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Catchword and initials, rubrics and placemarkers.

Catchword and initials, rubrics and placemarkers.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature of mass for the dead.

Miniature of mass for the dead.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Initials, linefillers, catchword.

Initials, linefillers, catchword.

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of French text, border decoration, large initial, rubric.

Opening of French text, border decoration, large initial, rubric.

Public domain scan of a decorated illuminated manuscript page, medieval, 13th-14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Opening page of calendar, written in French, and miniature of seasonal activity.

Opening page of calendar, written in French, and miniature of seasonal...

Public domain reproduction of French medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Smaller initials, linefillers and rubrics.

Smaller initials, linefillers and rubrics.

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening page of calendar, written in French.  Border decoration with grotesque.

Opening page of calendar, written in French. Border decoration with g...

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening page of calendar, written in French, border decoration.

Opening page of calendar, written in French, border decoration.

Public domain illustrated book page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of text with large engraved initial of the Annunciation.  Red slashes as placemarkers.

Opening of text with large engraved initial of the Annunciation. Red ...

The Annunciation is a biblical event in which the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce that she had been chosen to give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The event is recorded in the New Testamen... More

Text with placemarkers, rubric, and large red initial.  Border design including man and peapods.

Text with placemarkers, rubric, and large red initial. Border design ...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature across two pages, showing worship at an altar.

Miniature across two pages, showing worship at an altar.

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Miniature across two pages showing Moses breaking the tablets of the law; men worshiping the golden calf.

Miniature across two pages showing Moses breaking the tablets of the l...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with rubric and placemarkers; miniature in one column of Moses and companion.

Text with rubric and placemarkers; miniature in one column of Moses an...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with rubric and placemarkers; half-page miniature.

Text with rubric and placemarkers; half-page miniature.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with placemarkers and rubric.  In one column, miniature of one man killing another.

Text with placemarkers and rubric. In one column, miniature of one ma...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Large initial with painted design in border.

Large initial with painted design in border.

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Text with red and blue initials.  Map with small drawings of unlabelled cities.

Text with red and blue initials. Map with small drawings of unlabelle...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with red and blue initials.  Map with small drawings of cities.

Text with red and blue initials. Map with small drawings of cities.

Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of text (Ad te levavi animam meam) with 11-line puzzle initial with elaborate penwork extending the length of the left border, and into bottom margin. Small initials and rubrics.

Opening of text (Ad te levavi animam meam) with 11-line puzzle initial...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

6-line blue initial on gold field, with flower design extending into border.  Miniature of King David.  Two lines of music.  Rubrics, small initials, placemarkers.

6-line blue initial on gold field, with flower design extending into b...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Opening of text.  Six-line opening initial with animal heads and border design.  Small initials.

Opening of text. Six-line opening initial with animal heads and borde...

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Dream-vision of Ghenghis Khan who sees a man on a white horse foretelling the destiny of the Tartars; other moments of Tartar history, with camels and an elephant in the background.

Dream-vision of Ghenghis Khan who sees a man on a white horse foretell...

Public domain history book page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Nativity - Public domain medieval manuscript

Nativity - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature showing the wedding of Engeldruda and Guido.  The emperor, wearing splendid armor, and other nobles observe.  Initial, border design and rubric.

Miniature showing the wedding of Engeldruda and Guido. The emperor, w...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated book page, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of French text, large initial and border design.

Opening of French text, large initial and border design.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Initials, linefiller, rubrics, placemarkers.

Initials, linefiller, rubrics, placemarkers.

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of text, illuminated initial, 2-line and 1-line initials, partial border design, rubrics and placemarkers.

Opening of text, illuminated initial, 2-line and 1-line initials, part...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Page of French text with initials, linefillers, and border design.

Page of French text with initials, linefillers, and border design.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature of Resurrection, initial, French text.

Miniature of Resurrection, initial, French text.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Page of text with rubrics, initials, linefillers and catchword.  Border design.

Page of text with rubrics, initials, linefillers and catchword. Borde...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Page of text with linefillers, small initials and border design.

Page of text with linefillers, small initials and border design.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Calendar page with image of seasonal activity.

Calendar page with image of seasonal activity.

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Explicit., Illuminated medieval manuscript

Explicit., Illuminated medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature of Augustine, opening of text, full border design, initial, hand 1.

Miniature of Augustine, opening of text, full border design, initial, ...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Miniature, elaborate border design, initials, rubrics.

Miniature, elaborate border design, initials, rubrics.

Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

4-line and 3-line gold initials with vinescroll.  Gold rubric.  Opening of text.  Marginal and interlinear glosses.

4-line and 3-line gold initials with vinescroll. Gold rubric. Openin...

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of main text.  Full border with human and animal figures.  Hierarchy of initials, with penwork.  Rubric.

Opening of main text. Full border with human and animal figures. Hie...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Full-page miniature of God creating the stars.

Full-page miniature of God creating the stars.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with rubric and placemarkers; half-page miniature showing King David.

Text with rubric and placemarkers; half-page miniature showing King Da...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Text with placemarkers and rubric.  Half-page miniature of Absalom and a woman in bed.

Text with placemarkers and rubric. Half-page miniature of Absalom and...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of text, large letter with penwork, small initials and linefillers, hierarchy of scripts.  Large penwork feather drawn in border.

Opening of text, large letter with penwork, small initials and linefil...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with red and blue initials, rubrics, map with small drawings of cities.
Opening of text with rubric of rustic capitals, large initial, 1-line red initials, coat of arms, gold flourishes and notes in red and black ink.

Opening of text with rubric of rustic capitals, large initial, 1-line ...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Crucifixion - Public domain medieval manuscript

Crucifixion - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature showing three elegant ladies (including Cloelia?) fleeing on horseback across the Tiber from a walled city.  On the far side of the city, soldiers with canon prepare a siege.  Initial, rubric, border design.

Miniature showing three elegant ladies (including Cloelia?) fleeing on...

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature showing 1. Faustina lying naked and smiling in bed, as an attendent rubs her down with blood; 2. Faustina, wearing crown, stands before Aurelius, a priest, and others; 3. Aurelius observing the construction of temple. Initial, border design.

Miniature showing 1. Faustina lying naked and smiling in bed, as an at...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated manuscript page, 14th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Large illuminated initial.  Smaller initials, rubrics, border designs.
Opening page of calendar for the month of January. Entries for every line in French, alternating two red and two blue lines, with major feasts in gold. Dragon grotesque in lower margin.

Opening page of calendar for the month of January. Entries for every l...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening page of text with border decoration.

Opening page of text with border decoration.

Public domain illustrated book page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening page of calendar, written in French.  Border decoration.

Opening page of calendar, written in French. Border decoration.

Public domain illustrated book page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of main text, rubric, initials, border design.

Opening of main text, rubric, initials, border design.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of French text of the Fifteen Joys of the Virgin; precisely designated border in C-shape triggered by 3-line initial, and on the right in a band corresponding to the height of the text block.

Opening of French text of the Fifteen Joys of the Virgin; precisely de...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Miniature of King David. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Miniature of King David. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Change of hand? Large initial. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Change of hand? Large initial. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening page of calendar. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Opening page of calendar. - Public domain medieval manuscript

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of main text.  Initial with illumination (Virgin and Child), full border with angel figures.  Rubrics, small initials, placemarkers.

Opening of main text. Initial with illumination (Virgin and Child), f...

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Opening of main text in hand 1, puzzle initial with penwork, small initials.

Opening of main text in hand 1, puzzle initial with penwork, small ini...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Opening of sermons, with historiated initial of the Nativity.

Opening of sermons, with historiated initial of the Nativity.

Public domain manuscript page scan, medieval or early renaissance, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Full-page miniature of the expulsion from Paradise.

Full-page miniature of the expulsion from Paradise.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Full-page miniature of Noah's sons mocking him.

Full-page miniature of Noah's sons mocking him.

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Rubric; miniature of Delilah binding Samson to a bed.

Rubric; miniature of Delilah binding Samson to a bed.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with placemarkers and rubric.  Miniature of angel and soldier.

Text with placemarkers and rubric. Miniature of angel and soldier.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with placemarkers and rubric; miniature.

Text with placemarkers and rubric; miniature.

Public domain reproduction of illuminated medieval manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Text with rubric and placemarkers.  Miniature of men killing giants.

Text with rubric and placemarkers. Miniature of men killing giants.

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Text with three charts in gold, blue, and other colors.  Red and blue initials, rubrics.

Text with three charts in gold, blue, and other colors. Red and blue ...

Public domain scan of a medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Previous

of 6

Next