Christ being anointed, an illuminated miniature on vellum from a Book of Hours. N. France, c. 1500-

Christ sits at a table prepared with chicken and rolls, while a woman pours ointment on him; the scene includes the Virgin and some of the disciples, including Judas Iscariot in the foreground, who holds the thirty pieces of silver in a studded pouch; set within a border of architectural columns in liquid gold, with putti in upper and lower border and tassels along the sides.

Size of leaf: 176 x 108mm. Size of miniature: 77 x 69mm. 

A charming miniature on a subject rarely found, accompanied by text from chapter 26 of St. Matthew's Gospel. It illustrates verses six and seven: "And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the Leper, there came to him a woman having an alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it on his head as he was at table".

The figures are painted almost entirely in grisaille and liquid gold, outstanding against the rich background of blue and green. Popular from the early 14th century onwards, the use of the muted, monochromatic tones of grisaille indicated a manuscript of great luxury and sophistication. 

Stock Code: 246300