Item Info
Language: Latin
Folio Number: front
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes: Initial R with the Christ Child descending like dew and arising from the earth
Notes: Instructions to the illustrator regarding the rubrication and the layout of the staves have been erased in the right recto margin but are still partially visible.
Notes: This initial begins the Introit for the Saturday Mass of the Virgin Mary during Advent: "Rorate celi de super ..." (Send down dew from above, O Heavens). The unusual iconography of this scene can be explained by the words of the Introit. Translated in full, the Introit, from Isaiah 45:8, is: "Send down dew from above, O Heavens, and let the clouds rain down the just one; may the earth be opened and bring forth the Savior."
The illumination has been attributed to the workshop of the Master of the Graduale del Carmine, so-called after a choir book illuminated by his hand for the church of Santa Maria del Carmine. He was active in Siena from ca. 1340-1360.
Sirsi Catalog Key:
1639026
Country:
Country:Italy
City/Town/Township:Siena
Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin):
1360
Image Dimensions Width:
585 mm
ShelfMark:
Lewis E M 74:1
Creator Name:
Master of the Gradual del Carmine, workshop of - Artist
front
reverse