Manuscript Illumination with Saint Stephen in an Initial S, from an Antiphonary

ca. 1410–20
Not on view
Shown holding a palm and a large book, this handsome figure wears a beautiful orange and gold dalmatic, a liturgical garment with wide sleeves worn by deacons of the church. The trickles of blood at his scalp and the three stones curiously resting on his head identify him
as Saint Stephen, who was stoned at the hands of an angry mob. The first Christian martyr, his death is described in the Acts of the Apostles.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Manuscript Illumination with Saint Stephen in an Initial S, from an Antiphonary
  • Artist: Master of the Brussels Initials (Italian, Bologna, active ca. 1390–ca. 1420)
  • Date: ca. 1410–20
  • Geography: Made in Bologna, Italy
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
  • Dimensions: Overall: 5 3/16 x 4 15/16 in. (13.1 x 12.6 cm)
    Study mat: 11 15/16 x 9 15/16 in. (30.4 x 25.3 cm)
  • Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Gwynne M. Andrews, 1930
  • Object Number: 31.134.1
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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