Book cover with scenes from the life of Christ, c. 1467-1469
Unknown artist, Italyexpand_more
Engraved silver, niello, and silver giltexpand_more
The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fundexpand_more 57.59
On View in Gallery 350expand_more
This cover is one of a pair commissioned from a Florentine workshop by the French cardinal Jean La Balue for his personal copy of the Gospels. The decoration includes scenes from the New Testament (the Baptism of Christ, the Raising of Lazarus) and images of the church fathers, angels, and sphinxes. In 1469, while imprisoned for high treason by King Louis XI, Cardinal La Balue gave his gospel book to Pope Paul II, hoping the pope could intercede with the king. After eleven years of negotiations, the pope secured Balue’s release.
The niello technique used on this object involves engraving the design on silver sheets, filling the incised lines with a powder of sulfur, silver, lead, and copper, then heating the powder, which solidifies and turns black, creating striking surface contrasts.
Details
- Title
- Book cover with scenes from the life of Christ
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 57.59
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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