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Leaf from an Antiphonary: Initial H with the Nativity (recto), c. 1480. Creator: Unknown
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Leaf from an Antiphonary: Initial H with the Nativity (recto), c. 1480. Creator: Unknown
Leaf from an Antiphonary: Initial H with the Nativity (recto), c. 1480. The peacock in the lower right margin is used here as a symbol of immortality. In the ancient world the peacocks flesh was thought to be incorruptible--to never decay--and was thus an appropriate symbol for the Virgin Mary who was taken bodily into heaven. The peacock is often used as an accessory illustration for representations of the Nativity. The text for this leaf is the first matins response for Christmas Day and begins Hodie nobis celorum rex (On this day the King of Heaven). The leaf survives with two known sister leaves with text and illustrations that refer to Saint Clare, who was widely venerated during the Middle Ages. She is closely associated with Saint Francis, who installed her with a group of Benedictine nuns in a community at Assisi. Francis prescribed an austere way of life for the nuns who afterwards became known as the Poor Clares. The saint died in 1253 and was canonized in 1255. The prominent references to Clare in the parent manuscript to which this leaf belongs indicate that it was made for a religious community belonging to that order, perhaps in Augsburg or elsewhere in South Germany
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Media ID 19621921
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Augsburg Tempera And Gold On Vellum South Germany
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a leaf from an Antiphonary, specifically featuring an initial H with the Nativity. Created around 1480 by an unknown artist, this artwork holds deep symbolism and historical significance. In the lower right margin, a peacock gracefully adorns the scene, representing immortality. The ancient belief that a peacock's flesh never decays makes it a fitting symbol for the Virgin Mary, who ascended bodily into heaven. It is common to find peacocks depicted in illustrations of the Nativity. The text on this leaf corresponds to the first matins response for Christmas Day: "Hodie nobis celorum rex" (On this day the King of Heaven). Notably, two other sister leaves survive with text and illustrations related to Saint Clare. During medieval times, Saint Clare was highly venerated and closely associated with Saint Francis. She led a group of Benedictine nuns known as Poor Clares after being installed by Francis in Assisi. The presence of prominent references to Saint Clare suggests that this leaf was created for a religious community belonging to her order, possibly located in Augsburg or elsewhere in South Germany. This remarkable artifact provides us with valuable insights into religious practices and artistic traditions during that era. Photo credit: Heritage Art/Heritage Images
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