Leaf from a Gradual: Initial (D) with John the Baptist

Late 1450s
(Italian, 1433–1484)
Sheet: 55.1 x 36.6 cm (21 11/16 x 14 7/16 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: not on view

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

It was common practice in the Renaissance for illuminators to buy their pigments from apothecaries.

Description

This leaf comes from a gradual, a choral book containing the mass chants. It features a large
decorated letter D introducing the Mass: Deus, in nomine tuo salvum me fac (Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy strength) from Psalm 53. Francesco d’Antonio del Cherico began his career as a goldsmith in Florence. He eventually changed his occupation to manuscript illuminator where he achieved much success. He was a pupil of Fra Angelico and became famous for being Lorenzo de’ Medici’s favorite illuminator. He gained a reputation for his well-executed illustrations in varying types of books ranging from small books of hours to large choir books. His illustrations often featured intricate floral arrangements, as seen here.
Leaf from a Gradual: Initial (D) with John the Baptist

Leaf from a Gradual: Initial (D) with John the Baptist

Late 1450s

Francesco d'Antonio del Cherico

(Italian, 1433–1484)
Italy, Florence, 15th century

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.