Manuscript Cutting: Historiated Initial ‘R’ from a Cistercian Gradual showing Monks Singing
This initial R provides a good example of the intended use of choir books.
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Manuscript Cutting: Leaf from a Gradual with an Historiated Initial ‘A’ showing King David presenting his Soul to Christ
The relationship between images and text is often connected in medieval manuscripts.
Leaf from a Gradual with an Historiated Initial ‘A’ showing the Annunciation
In this cutting the medieval tool of scrolls as speech bubbles is used to represent the telling of important information.
Manuscript Cutting: Leaf from an Antiphoner with an Initial ‘A’ showing a Knight in Armour
This cutting is a leaf from an antiphoner with a rare depiction of a knight. Antiphoners were liturgical books intended to be used by a choir or congregation for singing.
Manuscript Cutting: Leaf from an Antiphoner with an Historiated Initial ‘H’ showing the Nativity
This Leaf was made for Christmas day depicting the nativity scene.
Manuscript Cutting: Leaf from an Antiphoner from the Franciscan Convent of Saint Klara, Cologne with an Historiated Initial ‘D’
This illuminated initial depicts the Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Virgin and Apostles.
Manuscript Cutting: Leaf from a Gradual introducing Advent Sunday with an Illuminated Initial ‘A’
This richly decorated initial A introduces the section of the Mass dedicated to the first Sunday of Advent.
Manuscript Cutting: Leaf from a Choir Book with an Historiated Initial ‘D’ showing Christ, Saint Peter and Saint Andrew
This cutting is from a leaf dedicated to the mass of St Andrew, he is in the initial, the rubric, and content of the song.
Historiated Initial ‘C’ showing Christ in Glory from a Gradual for Siena Cathedral
Looking closely at Christ in Glory (1467) by the Italian manuscript painter Liberale da Verona we can appreciate the power of Christian art in appealing to our senses.
Leaf from a Book of Hours with a Family Tree
In the back of the Della Rovere Book of Hours, this leaf is inscribed with the original owner’s family tree.