Manuscript Illumination with the Presentation in the Temple in an Initial S, from a Gradual

Cosmè Tura (Cosimo di Domenico di Bonaventura)

1450–60 · Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment · Medieval Art

As required by Jewish law, the Virgin Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple to consecrate him to God. The Virgin hands the swaddled Child to Simeon, who recognizes his divinity. The Prophetess Anna, dressed in red, holds a pair of doves that served as offerings. The illuminator represented the temple with classicizing architectural elements such as the shell-shaped apse, or semicircular niche, above their heads.

Artist: Cosmè Tura (Cosimo di Domenico di Bonaventura)
Date: 1450–60
Medium: Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
Culture: Italian
Department: Medieval Art
Credit line: Rogers Fund, 1911

Visually similar works

Manuscript Illumination with the Assumption of the Virgin in an Initial G, from a GradualCosmè Tura (Cosimo di Domenico di Bonaventura)
Manuscript Illumination with All Saints in an Initial V, from an AntiphonaryCosmè Tura (Cosimo di Domenico di Bonaventura)
Manuscript Leaf with a female saint (possibly Dorothy) in an Initial G, from a Gradualthe Illustratore
Manuscript Leaf with a Funeral Procession in an Initial R, from a GradualMariano del Buono
Initial D with King David, from a Cistercian GradualUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial H, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial T, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Illumination with the Assumption of the Virgin in an Initial A, from an AntiphonaryCosmè Tura (Cosimo di Domenico di Bonaventura)
Manuscript Leaf with the Visitation in an Initial A and Cardinal Adam Easton with a Dominican Saint and Saint Dominic, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial A, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with the Dedication of a Church in an Initial T, from a GradualMariano del Buono
GradualUnknown