French 12th Century

In the early 12th century, a French artist illuminated vellum with vivid miniatures that brought biblical scenes to life. Their ink and gold brought *Christ in Majesty* to the page, a solemn crowned Christ surrounded by symbols of the four Evangelists. On the back, *The Crucifixion* shows Christ on the cross, flanked by mourners and soldiers, framed in deep blues and fiery reds. These pages were meant to bring sacred stories into the hands of readers. Flip next to the deep blues and golds of *The Crucifixion* to see the artist’s hand up close.