Painting the flesh
Artists' Techniques
Three of the main artists (Hands A, B and C) modelled flesh tones on a lead white base (e.g. fols. VIr, 42r, 191v). Hand B, and occasionally Hand C, added a touch of red on the cheeks (e.g. fols. 42r, 177v). Facial features and hair were outlined with fluid carbon black lines.
Hand D used a pink colour instead for the base layer in flesh tones (e.g. fol. 220r). He rendered facial features and other anatomical details in a sophisticated way, with brown shadows and white highlights yielding a more realistic effect.
Virgin and Child, and Betrayal (Hours of the Virgin, Matins)
The enthroned Virgin balances the Christ Child on her lap and points to two vases in the upper part of the initial D. Below, Christ receives the kiss of betrayal from Judas, as St Peter reaches behind to cut Malchus’ ear. The initial was painted by Hand C.