Getty Museum
Initial E: The Adoration of the Magi
Creator
Franco dei RussiItalian Illuminator · 1453–1482
All works by this person →Franco dei Russi first appeared in records in 1455, where he is listed as working on a sumptuous bible for Borso d'Este of Ferrara. The records refer to him as "Franco da Mantova" which may indicate that he was originally from Mantua. His work during his years in Ferrara reveal an interest in large-scale figures with weighty draperies, tempered by a courtliness and attention to detail. In the earl
More on Getty ULAN- Date
- 1470s
- Medium
- Tempera and gold
- Culture
- Italian
- Department
- Manuscripts
- Institution
- Getty Museum
- Object ID
- d9014b05-5596-4468-863f-73dc76315970
From the Getty Museum record
The three kings come to pay homage to the infant Christ in this wildly colorful scene. The blues, greens and violets of the ground and in the figures harmonize with the three colors of the decorative initial. The eldest king has removed his crown in recognition of Christ's superior rank and is about to kiss his feet in reverence. The Christ Child, who has accepted his gift, offers the king his blessing. The figure of the youngest king (the farthest to the right) stands out from the color scheme in his red tunic and cap, and his stocking labeled "DOM." This may represent a contemporary figure dressed in courtly costume of the period, perhaps the patron. This initial from a choir book probably introduced the text of the Introit for the feast of the Epiphany: "E[ *cce advenit dominator Dominus...* ]" (Behold the lord the ruler is come...).
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