Cleveland Museum of Art

Initial D[eus in loco] with a Prophet Excised from a Gradual

Date

1409–10

Medium

ink, tempera, and gold on vellum

Culture

Italy, Florence, 15th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This jewel-like initial is one of a series of prophet portraits painted by Lorenzo in a set of choir books commissioned by the church of Santa Maria Nuova in Florence. Striking for its blue and orange-red foliage, the initial is set against a highly burnished gold ground decorated with punch marks, much like a small panel painting. The initial begins the Introit (introductory section) to the Mass for the eleventh Sunday after Pentacost: Deus in loco sancto suo (God is in his holy place). Lorenzo, who was a Camaldolese monk, produced a vast quantity of work—illuminations, panel paintings, and frescos—an indication that his art was highly esteemed and sought after during his lifetime.

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