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

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman

1299–1300

Not on view

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.

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

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Week 7, Jan 3–Jan 8: Islamic arches and ornament

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Week 2, Nov 29–Dec 4: End of Pentateuch-Sleeping Lion

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Week 3, Dec 6–Dec 11: Gothic arches-Dog and hare

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Week 4, Dec 13–Dec 18: Unicorn-Apes

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Week 5, Dec 20–Dec 25: End of Prophets/Menorah

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Week 6, Dec 27–Jan 1: Hens and chicks-centaurs

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Week 7, Jan 10–Jan 15: Castle with falconry

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)

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.