![Initial A[ngelus Domini descendit] from an Antiphonary: The Three Marys at the Tomb](https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1952.232/1952.232_web.jpg)
Cleveland Museum of Art
Initial A[ngelus Domini descendit] from an Antiphonary: The Three Marys at the Tomb
- Date
- c. 1280–1300
- Medium
- ink, tempera, and gold on parchment
- Culture
- Italy, Siena
- Department
- Medieval Art
- Institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Object ID
- 129798
From the Cleveland Museum of Art record
This large initial A introduces the matins (about 2:30 a.m.) response for Easter: Angelus Domini descendit de celo (An angel of the Lord descended from heaven). The letter that begins the text is commonly and appropriately decorated with a depiction of this Easter morning event. The three holy women known as "the three Marys" (Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of James; and Salome) are shown approaching Jesus's tomb with jars of spice to anoint the body. They are met by an angel in dazzling white robes who announces that Christ has risen. The angel's wand tipped with a fleur-de-lys indicates that he is Gabriel. Below are the sleeping soldiers sent by Pilate to guard the tomb.
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Provenance & credit
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- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund
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