Artwork
Leaf 6 from an antiphonal fragment (verso)
Leaf 6 from an antiphonal fragment (verso) is an ink drawing by Italian 13th Century. It dates from 1275 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A page from a medieval antiphonal, featuring Latin text and musical notation in red and brown ink on vellum, with decorated initials in red and blue.
Subject & Meaning
The text is likely liturgical, given the presence of musical notation and the use of Latin, suggesting the page was used in a church or monastic setting.
Technique & Style
The page features tall, pointed lettering and decorated initials with intricate swirls and dots in red, blue, and gold, characteristic of medieval manuscript illumination.
Context
The wear on the page indicates frequent handling over time, consistent with its likely use in a liturgical context.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist shaped the look of church music between 1250 and 1299, painting bold red-and-blue initials on vellum pages meant for choirs.
