Initial S[alve sancta parens] with the Virgin Adored by Angels, and Singing Benedictine Monks: Single Leaf from a Gradual
Unknown Artist
c. 1270
![Initial S[alve sancta parens] with the Virgin Adored by Angels, and Singing Benedictine Monks: Single Leaf from a Gradual by Unknown Artist](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.artheonmuseum.org%2Fcleveland%2Fthumb%2Finitial-s-alve-sancta-parens-with-the-virgin-adored-by-cleveland-128352.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Medium
ink, tempera, and gold on parchment
Dimensions
47 × 34 cm
Classification
Manuscript
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1951.313
About this artwork
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 decora...