On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Hebrew Bible: Horseshoe Arches (fols. 434v-435)

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman

Not on view

Some of the most inventive decoration in this bible resides in the compendium of Hebrew grammar included at the back of the book. Each double-page spread of the supplementary text provided the artist, Joseph the Frenchman, with an opportunity to experiment with elaborate framing devices. This one, in a manner more typical of medieval Hebrew bibles from Spain, makes use of both the palette and patterns associated with Islamic art, as well as the horseshoe arches characteristic of Spanish architecture, both Islamic and Christian.

Illuminated by Joseph the Frenchman, Tempera, gold, and ink on parchment

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Week 7, Jan 3–Jan 8: Islamic arches and ornament