Item Info
Language: Latin
Folio Number: front 27:10
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: In this initial, which begins an unidentified chant, Christ appears as the mocked King of the Jews. Among the many torments he suffered during his Passion, Christ was given a crown of thorns and a reed as a scepter. Here, Christ holds the reed in his bound hands, and a green crown of thorns causes blood to flow down his face, which can be seen through the diaphanous veil covering his head. This image was meant to inspire compassion for Christ's suffering in the heart of the viewer.
The initial has been attributed to the Venetian illuminator Cristoforo Cortese, active from ca. 1399 to before 1445, when a document refers to him as already dead. Several other leaves in the Free Library have also been attributed to Cortese.
Notes:
Initial S with Christ crowned with thorns
Sirsi Catalog Key:
1600031
Country:
Country:Italy
City/Town/Township:Venice
Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin):
1450
Image Dimensions Width:
97 mm
ShelfMark:
Lewis E M 27:9-10
Creator Name:
Christoforo Cortese, attributed to - Artist
front 27:9 
reverse 27:9 
front 27:10
reverse 27:10