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Leaf from an Antiphonary: Text (verso), c. 1480. Creator: Unknown
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Leaf from an Antiphonary: Text (verso), c. 1480. Creator: Unknown
Leaf from an Antiphonary: Text (verso), c. 1480. The peacock in the lower right margin is used here as a symbol of immortality. In the ancient world the peacocks flesh was thought to be incorruptible--to never decay--and was thus an appropriate symbol for the Virgin Mary who was taken bodily into heaven. The peacock is often used as an accessory illustration for representations of the Nativity. The text for this leaf is the first matins response for Christmas Day and begins Hodie nobis celorum rex (On this day the King of Heaven). The leaf survives with two known sister leaves with text and illustrations that refer to Saint Clare, who was widely venerated during the Middle Ages. She is closely associated with Saint Francis, who installed her with a group of Benedictine nuns in a community at Assisi. Francis prescribed an austere way of life for the nuns who afterwards became known as the Poor Clares. The saint died in 1253 and was canonized in 1255. The prominent references to Clare in the parent manuscript to which this leaf belongs indicate that it was made for a religious community belonging to that order, perhaps in Augsburg or elsewhere in South Germany
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Media ID 19621701
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Augsburg Tempera And Gold On Vellum South Germany
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a leaf from an Antiphonary, believed to have been created around 1480 by an unknown artist. The focal point of the image is a majestic peacock situated in the lower right margin. In ancient times, the peacock was regarded as a symbol of immortality due to its flesh being considered incorruptible and never decaying. This made it a fitting representation for the Virgin Mary, who ascended bodily into heaven. It is common to find illustrations of peacocks accompanying depictions of the Nativity. The text featured on this leaf is the first matins response for Christmas Day, commencing with "Hodie nobis celorum rex" (On this day the King of Heaven). Interestingly, this leaf has two sister leaves that contain text and illustrations related to Saint Clare. During medieval times, Saint Clare was highly venerated and closely associated with Saint Francis. She resided in Assisi alongside a group of Benedictine nuns known as the Poor Clares, following an austere way of life prescribed by Francis. Canonized in 1255 after her death in 1253, Clare's prominence within the parent manuscript suggests that it was crafted specifically for a religious community affiliated with her order. This remarkable artifact offers insights into religious practices during that era and potentially originates from Augsburg or another location in South Germany. Preserved by Heritage Art/Heritage Images, this print allows us to appreciate both its historical significance and artistic beauty today.
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