c. 1280–1300
Ink, tempera, and gold on parchment
Sheet: 18 x 15.8 cm (7 1/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1952.232
This large initial A introduces the matins (about 2:30 a.m.) response for Easter: Angelus Domini descendit de celo (An angel of the Lord descended from heaven). The letter that begins the text is commonly and appropriately decorated with a depiction of this Easter morning event. The three holy women known as "the three Marys" (Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of James; and Salome) are shown approaching Jesus's tomb with jars of spice to anoint the body. They are met by an angel in dazzling white robes who announces that Christ has risen. The angel's wand tipped with a fleur-de-lys indicates that he is Gabriel. Below are the sleeping soldiers sent by Pilate to guard the tomb.
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.