From the Abbey of Pontigny / Initial V from a Bible / ca. 1175?1195

From the Abbey of Pontigny
Initial V from a Bible
ca. 1175?1195
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Creator Nationality: European; French
Creator Dates/Places: French
Creator Name-CRT: From the Abbey of Pontigny
Title: Initial V from a Bible
View: Principal view
Creation Start Date: 1175
Creation End Date: 1195
Creation Date: ca. 1175?1195
Creation Place: From the Abbey of Pontigny
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Materials and Techniques: Tempera on parchment
Dimensions: 10 7/8 x 6 1/2 in. (27.5 x 16.5 cm)
Description:

This initial comes from a five-volume Bible, imposing in size and vigorously decorated, that belonged to the Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny. In the twelfth century, this monastery in the diocese of Sens was a scholar's haven and had a celebrated library.

The initial signaled the opening of the Book of Leviticus: Vocavit autem Moysen, et locutus est di Dominus de tabernaculo (And the Lord called Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle). In lieu of gold or figural imagery, which were eschewed by the Cistercian order, the letter presents a bold palette and vibrant juxtapositions of color. With robust striding lions posed at the center of encircled vines, it has all the energy of a coiled spring.

AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York
ID Number: 1999.364.2
Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1999
Copyright: Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_photo_lib.asp
AMICA ID: MMA_.1999.364.2
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright (c) 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All Rights Reserved

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