![ST DOMINIC, historiated initial 'M' on a cutting from an ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT CHOIR BOOK ON VELLUM, [Ferrara, c.1470s]. 170 x 121mm. The initial in blue and green with strawberry terminals against a ground of burnished gold, partial musical notation (minor losses of gold). In a giltwood frame carved with putti, glazed on both sides (some loss of gilding).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2013/CSK/2013_CSK_08952_0008_000(st_dominic_historiated_initial_m_on_a_cutting_from_an_illuminated_manu062452).jpg?w=1)
Details
ST DOMINIC, historiated initial 'M' on a cutting from an ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT CHOIR BOOK ON VELLUM, [Ferrara, c.1470s]. 170 x 121mm. The initial in blue and green with strawberry terminals against a ground of burnished gold, partial musical notation (minor losses of gold). In a giltwood frame carved with putti, glazed on both sides (some loss of gilding).
The initial likely opens the first response for the first nocturn of Matins of the feast of St. Dominic, 'Mundum vocans ad Agni nuptias'. The style of the illumination indicates that the intact manuscript was produced in north-eastern Italy, probably Ferrara. There are strong compositional parallels between the present cutting, with its bright, vibrant palette, strawberry terminals and the figure set against a deep pink background with delicate gold infill, and an initial 'M' cut from a Ferrarese Antiphonal in the Free Library of Philadelphia (Lewis EM 26:16).
The initial likely opens the first response for the first nocturn of Matins of the feast of St. Dominic, 'Mundum vocans ad Agni nuptias'. The style of the illumination indicates that the intact manuscript was produced in north-eastern Italy, probably Ferrara. There are strong compositional parallels between the present cutting, with its bright, vibrant palette, strawberry terminals and the figure set against a deep pink background with delicate gold infill, and an initial 'M' cut from a Ferrarese Antiphonal in the Free Library of Philadelphia (Lewis EM 26:16).
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Sale room notice
The illuminator has been identified as the Master of the Vicenza Psalter.