The Winchester Bible: Opening for the Book of Genesis: In Principio (5r); Opening for the Book of I Samuel (Book of Kings): Fuit (88r); Opening for the Book of 2 Samuel (Book of Kings): Factum (99v)
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Opening for the Book of Genesis: In Principio
Genesis is dominated by the words In pricipio (“In the beginning”). The “I” illuminates five key moments from the Old Testament (from top): Eve created from Adam’s side; the dove returning to Noah after the Flood; the Sacrifice of Isaac; the Granting of the Law to Moses; and the Crowning of King David. Two medallions illustrate New Testament scenes: the Nativity and the Last Judgment. The idea of announcing the start of a chapter—or a book—with a large initial was a medieval invention. Here the aim was to link the Old and the New Testaments: the Sacrifice of Isaac is seen as a prefiguration of God’s sacrifice of his son. Christ of the Last Judgment sits on a heavenly rainbow, a reference to Revelation. This folio was made by the Master of the Genesis Initial, whose distinct classicizing style formed a bridge to the newer style of the Master of the Morgan Leaf. At the time these illuminations were made, the shift from monastic production to the world of the professional artist was taking place.
Genesis is dominated by the words In pricipio (“In the beginning”). The “I” illuminates five key moments from the Old Testament (from top): Eve created from Adam’s side; the dove returning to Noah after the Flood; the Sacrifice of Isaac; the Granting of the Law to Moses; and the Crowning of King David. Two medallions illustrate New Testament scenes: the Nativity and the Last Judgment. The idea of announcing the start of a chapter—or a book—with a large initial was a medieval invention. Here the aim was to link the Old and the New Testaments: the Sacrifice of Isaac is seen as a prefiguration of God’s sacrifice of his son. Christ of the Last Judgment sits on a heavenly rainbow, a reference to Revelation. This folio was made by the Master of the Genesis Initial, whose distinct classicizing style formed a bridge to the newer style of the Master of the Morgan Leaf. At the time these illuminations were made, the shift from monastic production to the world of the professional artist was taking place.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Winchester Bible: Opening for the Book of Genesis: In Principio (5r); Opening for the Book of I Samuel (Book of Kings): Fuit (88r); Opening for the Book of 2 Samuel (Book of Kings): Factum (99v)
- Date: ca. 1150–80
- Geography: Made in Winchester, England
- Culture: British
- Medium: Tempera and gold leaf on parchment
- Dimensions: 23 9/16 × 16 9/16 × 2 3/8 in. (59.9 × 42.1 × 6.1 cm)
Opening: 23 9/16 × 27 1/2 in. (59.9 × 69.9 cm) - Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
- Credit Line: Lent by the Chapter of Winchester Cathedral
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters