The Art of Illumination

Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry, 1405–1408/9. Herman, Paul, and Jean de Limbourg (Franco-Netherlandish, active in France by 1399–1416). French; Made in Paris. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum; 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 in. (23.8 x 16.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1).

Hours of the Passion
Christ Nailed to the Cross, Folio 141v

The artists packed in so much action and narration around the stillness of Christ, who is immobilized in the center. Foreshortened figures in motion are depicted digging a hole for the cross, hanging one of the thieves, and nailing the feet of Jesus. The crown of thorns was drawn but not painted and can be seen faintly under one arm of the cross.