Monks Singing in an Initial "K" from a Choir Book

Bartolomeo Gossi da Gallarte (or Circle of)

1476

Not on view

In this beautifully decorated initial, a choir of Benedictine monks cluster together in full length profile. Heads uplifted and mouths open, the monks sing in unison from an open choir book on a jeweled lectern. Their attention is focused on the musical notation for the Kyrie eleison, the first word of which appears on the right side of the open book. The black and white cloaks of the monks stand out sharply against the embroidered red textiles suspended along the back wall below the windows. The space in which they gather is a vaulted chamber, its blue ceiling emblazoned with gold stars. The ribbed vaults terminate in a boss bearing the date 1476, presumably the year in which the painting was executed.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Monks Singing in an Initial "K" from a Choir Book
Artist: Bartolomeo Gossi da Gallarte (or Circle of)
Date: 1476
Geography: Made in Lombardy, Italy
Culture: Italian
Medium: Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment
Dimensions: 215 x 240 mm
Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Medieval Art and The Cloisters GIft, Florene M. Shcoenborn Bequest, by exchange, and Ingrid McHugh Gift, 2025
Object Number: 2025.607
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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