Masterpieces in Miniature: Italian Manuscript Illumination from the J. Paul Getty Museum

National Gallery of Art, Masterpieces in Miniature: Italian Manuscript Illumincations from the J. Paul Getty Museum

Regions: Rome (2 of 2)

Image: Antonio da Monza, Initial R: The Resurrection, Rome, late 15th or early 16th c., gradual, Leaf: 64.1 x 43.5 cm (25 1/4 x 17 1/8), The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. Ludwig VI 3, fols. 15v-16, 83.MH.86

Music: Resurrexi entrance song for Easter, 1300;
Performed by members the National Gallery of Art Vocal Arts Ensemble, 2005
Lyrics: Latin and English (MP3 1.22MB) Audio help

During the Renaissance, Rome played a major role in the revival of the art of classical antiquity. Excavations there unveiled a range of treasures of ancient Roman art, which are reflected in the huge gradual illuminated by Fra Antonio da Monza (active 1480–1505). The miniature depicts the Resurrection of Christ, but it also includes gems and cameos in the antique style as well as grotesques that recall wall paintings from the Golden House of the Roman emperor Nero (reigned A.D. 54–68), which were excavated during the 1490s. More than any other manuscript in the exhibition this gradual, made for the Franciscan convent of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, expresses the dual allegiance to pagan antiquity and Christianity that characterized Italian Renaissance culture.

Glossary Regions: Rome (1 of 2)