Initial R from a Choral Book with King David(?)

About this artwork

This sumptuous initial is painted in deep hues set against a burnished gold ground in order to achieve a rich jewellike effect. The design of the letter incorporates such motifs as gemstones, pearls, and classical cameos—much favored by Renaissance princes—to add further refinement to the image.

About the Artist

Guglielmo Giraldi del Magri [or del Magro] (Italian)

The designation "Italian" in art collections typically refers to an anonymous artist or a loose attribution to works from Italian schools, rather than a specific individual. With 173 known artworks in the museum's collection, this entry likely encompasses paintings by unidentified masters active across various periods, such as the Renaissance, Baroque, or later eras. Early life and personal detail...