Manuscript Leaf with Initial D, from an Antiphonary
Unknown Artist
15th century
Medium
Tempera, ink, and metal leaf on parchment
Dimensions
20 9/16 x 15 5/16 in. (52.2 x 38.9 cm)
Classification
Manuscripts and Illuminations
Culture
Italian
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Miss Alice M. Dike, in memory of her father, Henry A. Dike, 1928
Accession Number
28.225.75
Tags
About this artwork
This illuminated manuscript leaf presents a decorated initial D from an antiphonary, a liturgical choir book containing the sung portions of the Divine Office. The initial is embellished with tempera, ink, and metal leaf, creating a jewel-like effect characteristic of Italian manuscript illumination. Within or around the letter, the illuminator incorporated figural or decorative elements that would catch light during church services, transforming the functional text into an object of beauty and ...