Illuminated initial letter
Maker
Olivetan Master (Artists)
active ca. 1425-1450 (Life dates)
Formerly attributed to
Italy (Milan) 15th century (Artists)
1400-1499
active ca. 1425-1450 (Life dates)
Formerly attributed to
Italy (Milan) 15th century (Artists)
1400-1499
Title
Illuminated initial letter
Date of Production
(circa) 1430 - 1440
Medium
watercolour & gold leaf on vellum
Dimensions
Height: 14.8 cm
Width: 14.7 cm
Width: 14.7 cm
Accession Number
D.1966.GP.97
Mode of Acquisition
Gambier Parry, bequest, 1966
Credit
The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)
Copyright
Work in the public domain
Location
Not currently on display
Keywords
Label Text
A member of the monastic community at Monte Oliveto in Tuscany, this artist is known through several other works in his hand, including an illuminated manuscript in the collection of the Fondazione Cini, Venice. This exquisite initial, originating probably from a choir book, shows God the Father blessing King David and a group of Saints. It testifies to the role of decorative designs before the traditional art of illumination was challenged by the new medium of the printing press.
Provenance
Gambier-Parry Bequest 1966
Exhibition History
The Gambier-Parry Collection, The Courtauld Institute of Art, London
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