Manuscript Leaf from a Book of Hours Showing an Illuminated Initial D and Christ Bearing the Cross
Unknown Artist
1390–1400
Medium
Parchment, tempera, ink, metal leaf
Dimensions
6 13/16 x 5 1/16 in. (17.3 x 12.8 cm); mat: 12 × 10 in. (30.5 × 25.4 cm)
Classification
Manuscripts and Illuminations
Culture
French
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Bashford Dean, 1923
Accession Number
23.21.9
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate manuscript leaf, originating from a French Book of Hours around 1390–1400, captures a poignant moment from Christ's Passion: the illuminated initial "D" enclosing the scene of Christ Bearing the Cross. Books of Hours were immensely popular personal prayer books in medieval Europe, especially among the devout laity, containing hourly prayers, psalms, and illustrations to guide daily devotion. Produced in France during the late Gothic period, this leaf reflects the era's deep religious fervor and growing demand for beautifully crafted, portable spiritual aids. Crafted on fine parc...