Getty Museum

Historiated Initial from a Gradual

Date

about 1300

Medium

Tempera colors, gold leaf, and iron gall ink

Culture

Swiss

Department

Manuscripts

Institution

Getty Museum

Likely illustrated in the Lake Constance region of current-day Switzerland, this initial originally graced a 14th century gradual that was used for private devotional use. This decorated initial features a vibrant and detailed initial G. The background is made up of gold leaf, adding to its luxurious and striking appearance. The initial depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ in her arms at right, opposite Saint Elizabeth holding the infant John the Baptist at left. The figures are portrayed in bright colors and lightly detailed, shown kneeling with delicate patterns and designs surrounding them. In addition a Dominican nun and friar can be seen in the bottom corners of the page, shown in devotional prayer, they serve as a model of pious behavior and an example for the reader.

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