Corpus Christi, page from an Illuminated Antiphonary, 1484
Choirbook Masterexpand_more
Gouache and gold leaf on parchmentexpand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 44.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
The initial "I" of Immolabit (He will be sacrificed) shows Christ and the apostles at the Last Supper, a reference to the sacrament of the Eucharist. Along the lower edge, Abraham and the twelve tribes of Israel prefigure this scene. Among the tendril motifs in the border are figures of Adam and Eve and possibly Abel leaning on his staff (at right), a putto (top center), and a pilgrim looking up at a peacock, a symbol of immortality (on the left). Above the peacock, a monster with a turbaned human head represents non-Christians, probably Muslims or Jews. The coat of arms in the lower margin is that of Cardinal Pedro de Mendoza, who commissioned this and many other precious manuscripts around 1484, after he became archbishop of Toledo.
Details
- Title
- Corpus Christi, page from an Illuminated Antiphonary
- Artist Life
- Spanish, late 15th century
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 44.1
- Provenance
- Cardinal Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza (1428-95), Toledo, probably commissioned after he became archbishop of Toledo in 1482. [French & Co, New York, until 1944; sold January 5 to MIA].
- 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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