Bishop Saint Zenobius in a Historiated Initial "N" with Decorated Border from a Laudario
Medium
Manuscript cutting with tempera and gold leaf decorations, and rounded gothica textualis inscriptions in black ink, ruled in red ink, on parchment
Dimensions
21.3 × 9.7 cm (8 7/16 × 3 7/8 in.)
Classification
tempera
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
123556
Art Historical Context
Nestled within the ornate initial "N" of this exquisite manuscript cutting, Bishop Saint Zenobius, Florence's revered patron saint, stands in solemn blessing. Created around 1340 by the anonymous Master the Dominican Effigies Florentine illuminator renowned vivid depictions of Dominican saints—this piece hails from a *laudario*, a devotional book of lauds (hymns) sung by lay confraternities during religious processions and services. These books were vital to medieval Italian piety, blending music, prayer, and visual splendor to inspire communal devotion. The historiated initial, framed by a d...