Paul preaching to the Romans and three other scenes

Master of the Polycratus, France, Paris, c. 1380-1390

Four scenes from a Gospel Lectionary in French: Paul preaching to the Romans – Annunciation – Paul preaching to the Corinthians – Christ sends two disciples to fetch a donkey. Verso: Epistle of St. Paul to Romans 13, 11-14, in French.

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Miniature. Tempera, ink, gold and silver on vellum.

111 x 109 mm

of 257

Overview

This miniature was part of an illuminated manuscript of the Epîtres et Évangiles de tout l’an, the Gospel Lectionary in the French vernacular, containing the biblical lessons for Sundays and feast days. Such collections of Bible texts were intended for the use by the lettered laity.

The fine illustrations on our leaf can be attributed to the Parisian Master of the Polycraticus named after a manuscript of Jean of Salesbury’s Policraticon (BnF, ms. fr. 24287), which was made for Charles V in 1372. This master’s earliest activity is documented in 1366, while his last work is datable to 1402. He was a much sought after artist, not only by Charles V and his brother Jean, duke of Berry. His workshop also illuminated manuscripts that were made for the open market.

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