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Hebrew Bible: Horseshoe Arches (fols. 434v-435)

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman
1299–1300
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Some of the most inventive decoration in this bible resides in the compendium of Hebrew grammar included at the back of the book. Each double-page spread of the supplementary text provided the artist, Joseph the Frenchman, with an opportunity to experiment with elaborate framing devices. This one, in a manner more typical of medieval Hebrew bibles from Spain, makes use of both the palette and patterns associated with Islamic art, as well as the horseshoe arches characteristic of Spanish architecture, both Islamic and Christian.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Hebrew Bible: Horseshoe Arches (fols. 434v-435)
  • Artist: Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman
  • Date: 1299–1300
  • Geography: Made in Spain
  • Medium: Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment
  • Dimensions: Overall: 11 7/16 x 8 7/8 x 3 15/16 in., 9.464lb. (29 x 22.5 x 10 cm, 4.293kg)
  • Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
  • Credit Line: Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, Lisbon (BNP, IL.72)
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters