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Leaf from a Gradual: Decorated Initial (verso), c. 1480. Creator: Jacopo Filippo d Argenta
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Leaf from a Gradual: Decorated Initial (verso), c. 1480. Creator: Jacopo Filippo d Argenta
Leaf from a Gradual: Decorated Initial (verso), c. 1480. This leaf was excised from a volume of a large set of choral books known to have been commissioned by Bartolomeo delle Rovere for Ferrara Cathedral. Delle Rovere, nephew of Pope Sixtus IV, was the Bishop of Ferrara from 1474 to 1494 and his arms appear in the rondel at the bottom of the page-a shield bearing an oak tree (rovere in Italian) surmounted by a patriarchal cross, the symbol of his rank and authority. Payment records indicate that Argenta worked on the choir books for Ferrara Cathedral from 1478 to 1486. The large historiated initial R dominates the extensive decoration including a realistically painted scene in which a priest (center) surrounded by acolytes stands over the body of the deceased as he reads the Office of the Dead. The ceremony takes place within a vaulted chapel that recedes in space to create the illusion of perspective. This leaf and the one to the right are from the same set of choir books
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Media ID 19621859
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
And Gold On Parchment Ferrara 1501 Tempera
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a leaf from a Gradual, specifically the decorated initial (verso), created by Jacopo Filippo d'Argenta around 1480. Originally part of a larger set of choral books commissioned by Bartolomeo delle Rovere for Ferrara Cathedral, this leaf holds historical and artistic significance. Bartolomeo delle Rovere, who served as the Bishop of Ferrara during the late 15th century, was the nephew of Pope Sixtus IV. The rondel at the bottom of the page proudly displays his family crest—a shield featuring an oak tree (rovere in Italian) topped with a patriarchal cross symbolizing his authority. Jacopo Filippo d'Argenta's craftsmanship is evident in this piece. Working on these choir books between 1478 and 1486, Argenta meticulously adorned this particular leaf with an elaborate historiated initial R that dominates its composition. Surrounding it are intricate decorations and a remarkably realistic scene depicting a priest reading the Office of the Dead over a deceased body while being attended to by acolytes. The use of perspective creates an illusionary vaulted chapel setting that adds depth to this remarkable artwork. This print captures not only Argenta's talent but also provides insight into Renaissance religious practices and patronage during that era. Preserved through time, it serves as both an exquisite example of illuminated manuscripts and as testament to Bartolomeo delle Rovere's contribution to ecclesiastical arts in Ferrara Cathedral.
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