Full-page prefatory miniatures
Texts and Images
The prefatory cycle contains eight full-page miniatures depicting events in Christ’s early life, starting with the Annunciation. Found in deluxe Psalters, such cycles underscored the understanding of the Psalms as Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in the New Testament. Presented as pairs on double openings, the miniatures are painted on one side of the leaves only, leaving the other side of the costly parchment blank. This is one of the numerous indications that no expense was spared in the production of this manuscript.
Journey of the Magi
This image exemplifies Hand C’s vivid pictorial narrative. The busy composition led to an oversight: the domes appear to be suspended in thin air, as the artist forgot to paint the supporting columns.
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