Collection Online as of January 31, 2023

Single Leaf from a "Biblia Pauperum": Christ Carrying the Cross (verso)

c. 1410

Part of a set. See all set records

Germany, Bavaria

Ink and tempera on vellum

Sheet: 19.8 x 14.2 cm (7 13/16 x 5 9/16 in.)

Gift in honor of William M. Milliken from members of his staff, 1919-1958 1958.255.b

Location

not on view

Description

Also known as the "Poor Man's Bible," the Biblia Pauperum was a simple picture book used to explain biblical prophecies and symbolism. These volumes served as an aid for preachers to demonstrate the unity of the Bible. The iconography of these popular books juxtaposed two Old Testament scenes with one from the life of Christ. In this example, the image of Christ carrying the cross is inserted between Abraham and Isaac on the way to sacrifice (on the left) and Elijah with the widow of Zarephath (right). The Biblia Pauperum appeared first in manuscript form in the 1200s, became a popular picture book with miniatures in the 1300s, and after 1450 it emerged as a print book with woodcuts.

Provenance

Staedelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt

Adolf Trier (?), Frankfurt

Victor Goldschmidt, Heidelberg

E. Eisemann, London

Staedelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt; Adolf Trier (?), Frankfurt; Victor Goldschmidt, Heidelberg; E. Eisemann, London

Exhibition history

CMA, 1963: "Gothic Art 1360-1440"

The Cleveland Museum of Art (10/10/2004 - 10/02/2005); "Illuminated Manuscripts"

Cleveland Museum of Art, (11/06/2010 - 04/17/2011); "The Glory Of the Painted Page: Manuscript Illuminations from the Permanent Collections"

Illuminated Manuscripts. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (October 10, 2004-October 2, 2005).

The Glory of the Painted Page: Manuscript Illuminations from the Permanent Collection. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (November 6, 2010-April 17, 2011).