Page from a Gradual with Christ the Redeemer and God the Father
Title
Page from a Gradual with Christ the Redeemer and God the Father
Description
This large detached page from a Gradual contains the Introit that begins the Mass for the Common of the Apostles, “Mihi autem nimis honorati sunt amici tui Deus.” Inside the large initial M, a Blessing Christ holds open the Book of Life, which displays the Alpha and Omega characters symbolizing the Beginning and the End of his reign. The profusion of multicolored animals and the density of the floral forms recall styles of illumination practiced in Florence and Pistoia around the middle of the fifteenth century. The rough style of the miniatures, however, echoes some of the illuminations by Sienese artists Giovanni di Paolo (ca. 1403–82) and Pellegrino di Mariano (act. 1449–92). Its dimensions and the inclusion of only four lines of chant give an idea of the scale of the original set of choir books.
Date
ca. 1450–75
Format
Illuminated manuscript leaf on parchment
Identifier
Private Collection, Philadelphia
Coverage
Tuscany, Italy
Tags
Citation
“Page from a Gradual with Christ the Redeemer and God the Father,” Making the Renaissance Manuscript, accessed December 22, 2024, http://makingrenmanuscripts.exhibits.library.upenn.edu/items/show/43.