Three Limbourg brothers were skilled miniature painters from Nijmegen. They died in 1416 during European plague, likely under 30 years old. Brothers were captured in Brussels during 1399 plague epidemic
Miniature art spans over 2500 years and includes small paintings, engravings, and sculptures. Most surviving examples from Indus Valley and Minoan civilizations are small seals. Term "miniature" derives from Latin for reddish pigment