Detail View: The AMICA Library: The Initial R, with the Annunciation, from a Gradual

AMICA ID: 
MMA_.1982.175
AMICA Library Year: 
2002
Object Type: 
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Description: 

Protected by the arching curve of the blue-and-white letter R, the standing figures of the archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary are set against a burnished gold background. The barefoot angel wears a simple salmon-colored tunic, belted at the waist, and holds a staff. His right hand raised and his wings outstretched, he addresses the Virgin Mary, who stands before him and lifts both hands as the dove of the Holy Ghost whispers in her ear.

The letter R is the opening of the Introit, or entrance hymn, Rorate caeli de super (Drop down dew, you heavens, from above), sung on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, to celebrate the archangel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. The cutting was once part of a gradual, a book containing the choral parts of the Mass. It was probably painted about 1300 by the Dominican nuns at the convent of Sankt Katharinenthal on Lake Constance.

Creator Nationality: 
European; Northern European; German
Creator Dates/Places: 
German
Creator Name-CRT: 
Probably made at the convent of Sankt Katharinenthal, Lake Constance
Title: 
The Initial R, with the Annunciation, from a Gradual
View: 
Principal view
Creation Date: 
ca. 1300
Creation Start Date: 
1280
Creation End Date: 
1320
Materials and Techniques: 
Tempera and gold leaf on parchment
Creation Place: 
Probably made at the convent of Sankt Katharinenthal, Lake Constance
Dimensions: 
4 x 3 1/16 in. (10.2 x 7.8 cm)
AMICA Contributor: 
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: 
New York, New York
ID Number: 
1982.175
Credit Line: 
Purchase, Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, by exchange, 1982
Copyright: 
Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Rights: 
Related Image Identifier Link: 
MMA_.h1_1982.175.tif