Leaf from a Manuscript of Valerius Maximus
ca. 1380–90
Medium
Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
Dimensions
Overall: 15 3/16 x 11 3/4 in. (38.6 x 29.8 cm) Study mat: 19 3/16 x 14 3/16 in. (48.8 x 36.1 cm)
Classification
Manuscripts and Illuminations
Culture
French
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Gwynne M. Andrews, 1930
Accession Number
31.134.8
Tags
Art Historical Context
This leaf from a manuscript of Valerius Maximus was created around 1380–1390 in the workshop of Pierre Remiet, a noted Parisian illuminator. Rendered in tempera, ink, and gold on parchment, the page exemplifies the refined book arts of late medieval France. Valerius Maximus’s ancient Roman collection of memorable deeds and sayings remained popular throughout the Middle Ages, offering moral and historical lessons often enhanced by vivid illustrations for aristocratic readers. Remiet’s workshop specialized in elegant illuminations that combined delicate line work with luminous gold accents. The...