Initial R from a Choral Book with King David(?), c. 1470-1480. This sumptuous initial is painted in deep hues set against a burnished gold ground in order to achieve a rich jewel-like effect. The design of the letter incorporates such motifs as gemstones, pearls, and classical cameos-much favored by Renaissance princes-to add further refinement to the image.

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Size: 3912px × 3606px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 15th, art, attributed, century, cleveland, del, ferrara, giraldi, gold, guglielmo, heritage, ink, italian, italy, magri, magro, manuscript, museum, tempera, vellum