BENING, Simon
(b. 1483, Ghent, d. 1561, Bruges)

Prayer Book of Cardinal Albrecht

c. 1525
Manuscript (Ms. 83), 170 x 115 mm
J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

This manuscript contains prayers and devotions for the instruction of the laity. It was commissioned by Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, one of the most powerful princes of the Church during the Reformation. This is the only manuscript that bears the monogram of Simon Bening, who worked on the entire collection of 41 miniatures single-handedly. He reaches the zenith of his painterly skills here with astounding chiaroscuro effects.

The picture shows Peter's Denial on folio 123v.