Past Exhibition

Medieval and Renaissance Miniatures from the National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a person seated and facing forward, showing their upper body and part of their lower body. The individual has a mature face with a grey beard and wears an ornate, pointed hat. The clothing is detailed with a pattern of alternating spots and crosses in gold, red, and white. The person holds a staff in one hand and a book in the other, both adorned in gold. The background is golden, and the figure is set against a backdrop of intricate blue and red swirls and leaf-like designs. The immediate background includes a decorated, bright border with floral patterns, vivid colors, and geometric designs. Surrounding the image are portions of medieval musical notation and text in elaborate script.
Lippo Vanni, Saint Peter Enthroned, 1345/1350, miniature on vellum, Rosenwald Collection, 1949.5.88

Details

  • Dates

    -

  • Locations

    Main Floor, Galleries 68, 69, 70 (2,000 sq. ft.)
The image depicts a person seated and facing forward, showing their upper body and part of their lower body. The individual has a mature face with a grey beard and wears an ornate, pointed hat. The clothing is detailed with a pattern of alternating spots and crosses in gold, red, and white. The person holds a staff in one hand and a book in the other, both adorned in gold. The background is golden, and the figure is set against a backdrop of intricate blue and red swirls and leaf-like designs. The immediate background includes a decorated, bright border with floral patterns, vivid colors, and geometric designs. Surrounding the image are portions of medieval musical notation and text in elaborate script.
Lippo Vanni, Saint Peter Enthroned, 1345/1350, miniature on vellum, Rosenwald Collection, 1949.5.88

Overview: This was the first complete showing of the 76 single leaves and cuttings from illuminated manuscripts in the Lessing J. Rosenwald collection. The miniatures represented most of the centers of romanesque and Renaissance artistic activity in Europe and ranged from the late 11th century to the early 16th century. A few objects of medieval decorative art also were included. This was the 4th in a series devoted to graphic arts given to the National Gallery by Lessing J. Rosenwald.

Organization: The catalogue was compiled by Carra Ferguson, David S. Stevens Schaff, and Gary Vikan, Kress fellows, under the direction of Carl Nordenfalk, 1972-1973 Kress Professor. Mark Leithauser designed the exhibition.

Catalog: Medieval and Renaissance Miniatures from the National Gallery of Art, by Carl A.J. Nordenfalk. Washington, DC: National Gallery of Art, 1975.

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