Manuscript Illumination with Singing Monks in an Initial D, from a Psalter

1501–2
Not on view
While one monk looks down in pious contemplation, two others gaze at the divine beams of radiating light that inspire their song. But their eyes and voices are drawn outside the frame to the text and music on the page, as if they were reading and singing from the book. Dressed in white, they are members of the Olivetan order, which commissioned Girolamo dai Libri and his father, Francesco, to create the psalter.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Manuscript Illumination with Singing Monks in an Initial D, from a Psalter
  • Artist: Girolamo dai Libri (Italian, Verona 1474–1555 Verona)
  • Date: 1501–2
  • Geography: Made in Verona, Italy
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
  • Dimensions: Overall: 9 1/16 x 7 in. (23 x 17.8 cm)
    Illumination: 4 x 4 1/8 in. (10.2 x 10.5 cm)
    Mat size: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
  • Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912
  • Object Number: 12.56.4
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

Audio

Cover Image for 2845. Initial D with Signing Monks

2845. Initial D with Signing Monks

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