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Leaf Excised from a Decretum by Gratian: Initial C... c. 1300-1310. Creator: Unknown
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Leaf Excised from a Decretum by Gratian: Initial C... c. 1300-1310. Creator: Unknown
Leaf Excised from a " Decretum" by Gratian: Initial C[anonici cuiusdam ecclesiae] with a Seated Cleric, c. 1300-1310. Introducing Causa XIV (law case) of the Decretum, this initial C is but one component of a complex decoration scheme. The artist also included a miniature representing an audience scene before a bishop and large drollery (hybrid figure) of a jousting knight beneath the left text column. Both of these devices serve to separate the end of one text and the beginning of another but, in the process, overshadow the initial itself. The script has been identified as by an Italian hand. Because Bologna was the center for the study of canon law at this time, it seems that the codex may have been copied there. The illumination was applied after the undecorated manuscript was carried to France
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Media ID 19635524
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And Gold On Vellum Avignon Tempera
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a leaf excised from a decretum by Gratian, dating back to the 14th century. The intricate initial C, representing canonici cuiusdam ecclesiae (a certain church's canons), features a seated cleric at its center. However, this stunning artwork is just one element of an elaborate decoration scheme within the manuscript. The unknown artist behind this masterpiece went beyond the initial itself and incorporated additional elements to separate different sections of text. A miniature depicting an audience scene before a bishop adds depth and context to the overall composition. Furthermore, a large drollery in the form of a jousting knight resides beneath the left text column, adding whimsy and intrigue. Experts have identified that an Italian hand executed the script on this leaf. Given Bologna's prominence as a hub for canon law studies during that era, it is likely that this codex was copied there before being transported to France where illuminations were added. Presented on vellum with gold accents using ink and tempera techniques, this artifact now resides in The Cleveland Museum of Art. This remarkable print allows us to appreciate every delicate detail captured by Heritage Art/Heritage Images without commercial use or affiliation with any company involved in its production.
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![Single Leaf from a Decretum by Gratian: Decorated Initial Q[uidam habens filium obtulit]](/sq/731/single-leaf-decretum-gratian-decorated-initial-19641677.jpg.webp)
