Manuscript Cutting: Historiated Initial ‘C’ from a Gradual, showing Christian Martyrs
Unknown Artist
Historiated Initial ‘C’ from a Gradual, showing Christian Martyrs
Netherlands, 16th Century
Gold leaf, ink and pigment on parchment
Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 2989)
This cutting features an initial ‘C’ in red and white decorative patterns and burnished gold leaf. Within the initial, there is a miniature painting depicting various Christian martyrs and their instruments of death. We can interpret these instruments to identify different holy figures including Saint Sebastian, pictured on the left with arrows piercing his body.
How do we identify religious figures in illuminated manuscripts without text? Saints are widespread within illuminated manuscript imagery. Christian saints are traditionally shown with an attribute, or symbolic object, that is associated with their life. This iconography becomes an aide to be able to recognize and visually engage with a given scene.
Leaf from a Book of Hours showing the Stoning of Saint Stephen
Dunois Master
Paris, 1450s
Water-based pigments, gilding and ink on parchment, 121 x 88 mm
Victoria and Albert Museum (No. E.4580-1910)
As seen in the previous cutting, attributes may reflect a saint’s martyrdom and their sacrifice for their faith. Martyrs may be depicted either holding their instruments of death or in scenes of their martyrdom actively taking place. In this leaf from a Book of Hours, Saint Stephen has been accused of blasphemy against God and Moses and is sentenced to be stoned to death. In the miniature scene, he is shown praying to God to receive his spirit as stones are hurled at him. Can you identify Saint Stephen among the group of martyrs?
Leaf from a Printed Book of Hours showing The Annunciation
Unknown Artist
Paris, early 16th Century
Gold, ink and pigment printed on parchment
Victoria and Albert Museum (No. 8123.1)
Plants, animals, and flowers are also symbolic of saints and their devotion. In this Annunciation scene, the Virgin Mary can be seen depicted with a potted white Madonna Lily, representing her purity and connection to the divine.
Historiated Initial ‘B’ showing Saint Michael killing the Dragon
Unknown Artist
Netherlands, about 1350
Gold leaf, pigment and ink on parchment, 105 x 102 mm
Victoria and Albert Museum (No. 4013)
In this historiated initial ‘B’, Saint Michael is portrayed with his sword and shield slaying Satan who is represented as a dragon. Altogether, this scene symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.