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).

Saints Paul and Anthony Cycle
Lions Help Saint Anthony Bury Saint Paul, Folio 193v

The pallor of Paul’s corpse contrasts with Anthony’s ruddy complexion as he lowers the body into the ground. According to legend, he had no tools to dig the grave, but was miraculously assisted by lions. Paul’s tunic, woven of palm leaves, is mentioned in the text.