Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Missal
Italy, Rome, ca. 1483
MS M. 306 fol. 78v

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Initial S:
Christ: Presentation -- Within temple of classical design, Virgin Mary, nimbed, veiled, places nude Christ Child in extended, draped arms of Simeon, nimbed, standing beside altar. Behind Virgin Mary is youth, holding basket of doves, and female figure, possibly Anna the Prophetess. Behind Simeon is tonsured male figure.
Base of altar is inscribed on side with FRANCISCHVS VERONENSIS ME FECIT. Below signature is motto AB OLYMPO.
Motto AB OLYMPO appears a second time inscribed on frieze above columns in left corner of initial.
Plaque above Simeon is inscribed SVSCEPIMVS
Scene occurs within initial S decorated with cornucopias and grotesque heads.
Margins:
Upper and left border composed of figural ornament including two putti playing lutes, male figure kneeling between two deer-like animals, two centaurs engaged in battle, and two putti flanking bust of male figure, surmounting column flanked by two putti and supported by two male figures.