Manuscript Illumination with Initial S, from a Choir Book
Unknown Artist
16th century
Medium
Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
Dimensions
3 1/16 x 3 1/8 in. (7.8 x 8 cm) Other (Illumination): 2 1/4 x 2 3/16 in. (5.7 x 5.6 cm) Mat: 9 × 7 in. (22.9 × 17.8 cm)
Classification
Manuscripts and Illuminations
Culture
German
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
Accession Number
32.100.479
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Manuscript Illumination with Initial S* hails from a 16th-century German choir book, a liturgical volume used by church choirs to perform Gregorian chants during services Choir books were communal treasures in monasteries and cathedrals featuring oversized initials like this one to allow multiple singers to read from a single page. Crafted in the waning years of the medieval manuscript tradition, it reflects Germany's vibrant illuminated book culture, bridging Gothic elaboration with emerging Renaissance naturalism. Executed in tempera, ink, and gold on parchment, the artwork e...