Initial S[alve sancta parens] with the Virgin Adored by Angels, and Singing Benedictine Monks: Single Leaf from a Gradual

Cleveland Museum of Art

Initial S[alve sancta parens] with the Virgin Adored by Angels, and Singing Benedictine Monks: Single Leaf from a Gradual

Date
c. 1270
Medium
ink, tempera, and gold on parchment
Culture
South Italy, 13th century
Department
Medieval Art
Institution
Cleveland Museum of Art

This large initial S introduces the introit (beginning) for a Saturday Votive Mass of the Virgin Mary. The text begins Salve sancta parens (Hail Holy Parent [Mother]). The double curve of the letter creates two registers for the representation of independent scenes. The initial is set within a rectangular frame and against a background of diapers (geometric patterns). This diapering motif was commonly used in French illumination of this period and thus reveals some French influence in the decoration of the letter. Additionally, Byzantine models were probably used by the artist for the figures of the Virgin flanked by two angels—perhaps inspired by a mosaic.

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