[Medieval religious illustration: ‘MISSAL RHEIMS’.] Two detailed miniature illuminated illustrations of the the temptation of Christ by the Devil, on vellum, in medieval religious style, each docketed ‘MISSAL RHEIMS’.

Two sprightly illustrations - bright, fresh and detailed - in vibrant colours (cobalt blue, light blue, pink, red purple, black, green), each with the background painted in gilt. The illustrations would appear to be genuine, but may be copies. Each is on a rectangle of vellum, and both are remarkably clean if indeed seven or eight centuries old. Each has traces of glue from previous mounting on the reverse. No text or other design on either side of the pieces. Both have ‘MISSAL RHEIMS’ in pencil above the illustration, and ‘1ST VELLUM’ at foot. ONE: On 7.5 x 12 cm piece of vellum. The illustration is in a 3 x 6.5 cm rectangle, with the devil’s feet extending out of it at the foot, and the steeple projecting up at the head. Christ is seated centre-right on a rock, robed in pink, clutching a book and with his right hand pointing upwards. The devil, green-skinned, horned and holding a claw-like switch, is looking up at him from bottom left, clothed (for modesty?) only in a purple-blue loincloth. TWO: On 5.5 x 11.5 cm piece of vellum. The illustration is a 3 x 5 cm rectangle, once again with the Devil’s horned feet extending slightly from the base, in a 4.75 x 7.75 gold and black outer border. Christ, once again in purple robes, gestures symbolically with his hands from top-right, seated atop a red church or cathedral, with doorway in dark and light blue flanked by purple columns. The Devil, this time with skin of a greyish-pink, is in the same purple-blue loincloth, again looking upwards from bottom-left, his hands held up. The horns and area at the top of the Devil’s head are light-green, almost as if he is wearing a headscarf. See Image.