Historiated Initial (E) Excised from a Gradual: Adoration of the Magi, c. 1200-1240. Italy, Siena, 13th century. Ink, tempera, and gold on parchment; sheet: 17 x 21 cm (6 11/16 x 8 1/4 in.). All the essential narrative elements—Mary, the infant Jesus, and the three Magi—are tucked into the lower body of the initial E. Although the initial is now separated from its original context in a gradual, or choir book, it would have marked the beginning of a new chant. In this case it is for the feast of Epiphany (January 6), which celebrates the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem to see the newborn Chri
Historiated Initial (E) Excised from a Gradual: Adoration of the Magi, c. 1200-1240. Italy, Siena, 13th century. Ink, tempera, and gold on parchment; sheet: 17 x 21 cm (6 11/16 x 8 1/4 in.). All the essential narrative elements—Mary, the infant Jesus, and the three Magi—are tucked into the lower body of the initial E. Although the initial is now separated from its original context in a gradual, or choir book, it would have marked the beginning of a new chant. In this case it is for the feast of Epiphany (January 6), which celebrates the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ. The Introit for that Mass begins: Ecce advenit dominator (Behold the lord the ruler is .).
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Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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