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Three Cuttings from a Missal: Initial C with the Adoration of the Magi, c. 1470-1500
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Three Cuttings from a Missal: Initial C with the Adoration of the Magi, c. 1470-1500
Three Cuttings from a Missal: Initial C with the Adoration of the Magi, c. 1470-1500. These three cuttings are illuminated in a style that is somewhat provincial and difficult to localize. The figures relate to late 15th-century German woodcut illustration, but also vaguely recall Franconian sculpture and Saxon painting. The figures are simply, though charmingly, sketched in heavy black ink with little attention to finesse of line or detail. The palette is confined to dark hues of red, blue, and ochre with flesh tones either left white or coloured pink. The style hints at an origin in Franconia, Saxony, or Silesia. The initial E includes a form of musical notation called Hufnagalshrift or " horseshoe nail writing" because it resembles the nails used to attached horseshoes. Hufnagalshrift appears almost exclusively in manuscripts produced in Germanic Central Europe. The use of different coloured lines in the musical stave is a known feature of Saxony. The text Exultet iam angelica (Rejoice now angel) begins the prayer used only on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil. It was sung by the priest at Mass to a very special and ancient melody
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Media ID 19630937
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases three cuttings from a missal, specifically highlighting an initial C with the Adoration of the Magi. Created between 1470 and 1500, these illuminated pieces exhibit a somewhat provincial style that is challenging to pinpoint geographically. The figures depicted in the artwork draw inspiration from late 15th-century German woodcut illustration while also bearing resemblance to Franconian sculpture and Saxon painting. The artist's approach is characterized by simple yet endearing sketches executed with bold black ink strokes, paying little attention to intricate lines or details. The color palette predominantly consists of deep shades of red, blue, and ochre, with flesh tones left white or delicately tinted pink. These stylistic elements suggest a potential origin in Franconia, Saxony, or Silesia. One particularly intriguing feature within the initial E is the inclusion of Hufnagalshrift—a form of musical notation resembling horseshoe nails used for attachment. This unique script type primarily appears in manuscripts originating from Germanic Central Europe. Additionally, the use of differently colored lines on the musical stave aligns with known practices observed in Saxony. The accompanying text "Exultet iam angelica" signifies the beginning of a prayer exclusively recited during Holy Saturday at Easter Vigil Mass. Sung by priests to an ancient and extraordinary melody, this phrase holds immense significance within religious ceremonies. Preserved through time as a remarkable piece of artistry and devotion, this print offers viewers an opportunity to appreciate both its historical context and aesthetic charm.
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