Artwork Page for Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Initial E with Ornamental Border Containing a Seated Satyr and a Bird Eating Grapes (recto) and Ornamental Border with Flowers and Squirrel (verso) (2 of 3 Excised Leaves)

Details / Information for Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Initial E with Ornamental Border Containing a Seated Satyr and a Bird Eating Grapes (recto) and Ornamental Border with Flowers and Squirrel (verso) (2 of 3 Excised Leaves)

Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Initial E with Ornamental Border Containing a Seated Satyr and a Bird Eating Grapes (recto) and Ornamental Border with Flowers and Squirrel (verso) (2 of 3 Excised Leaves)

c. 1524
This object has related works. See

North Germany, Hildesheim (?), 16th century

View all records in artwork set
Medium
ink, tempera and liquid gold on vellum
Measurements
Each leaf: 16.6 x 13.5 cm (6 9/16 x 5 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
The Jeanne Miles Blackburn Collection 2006.15
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
113 French Tapestries & Illuminated Manuscripts(not visible)
Print

Description

This leaf reveals the charm of secular decoration such as satyrs or domestic activities like cooking. Such details would have been a sumptuous delight to the original owner. The original book was a highly personalized volume apparently written and illuminated in North Germany as suggested by internal textual references. The prominent inclusion of Saint Godehard (died 1038), Bishop of Hildesheim, in the calendar (not visible) would suggest that the manuscript was produced in that city.
A two-page manuscript spread features Latin calligraphy in black and red ink on vellum, framed by shimmering gold borders. On the left, a large blue and gold initial "E" anchors the text, surrounded by trailing grapevines, a gray heron, and a seated satyr blowing a blue horn. The right page displays delicate green vines with yellow flowers, a small brown squirrel, and a vibrant red blossom at the bottom corner.

Leaf from a Psalter and Prayerbook: Initial E with Ornamental Border Containing a Seated Satyr and a Bird Eating Grapes (recto) and Ornamental Border with Flowers and Squirrel (verso) (2 of 3 Excised Leaves)

c. 1524

North Germany, Hildesheim (?), 16th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

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 fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork