Manuscript Leaf with Initial A, from a Gradual

Unknown

second quarter 15th century · Tempera, ink, and metal leaf on parchment · Medieval Art

The Biblical king David was regarded as the author of psalms and hence the father of medieval music. He frequently appears within illuminated music manuscripts. Sheltered within the letter A, he holds a stringed instrument known as a psaltery. “To thee have I lifted up my soul” (Ad te lavavi animam meam) begins Psalm 24, seen here, which was sung on the first Sunday of Advent, the season leading up to Christmas.

Artist: Unknown
Date: second quarter 15th century
Medium: Tempera, ink, and metal leaf on parchment
Culture: German
Department: Medieval Art
Credit line: Gift of Miss Alice M. Dike, in memory of her father, Henry A. Dike, 1928

Visually similar works

Manuscript Leaf with Initial A, from a GradualUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial H, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial V, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial L, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial E, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial C, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial S, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial S, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial H, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial V, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial F, from an AntiphonaryUnknown
Manuscript Leaf with Initial O, from an AntiphonaryUnknown