Manuscript Illumination with Saint Lawrence in an Initial C, from a Gradual

Manuscript Illumination with Saint Lawrence in an Initial C, from a Gradual

Don Simone Camaldolese

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

When embellished with a figure or a scene, the opening letter of a hymn serves as a visual prompt to members of the choir. Here, the figure dressed as a deacon and holding a large grill is Saint Lawrence, whose feast is celebrated on August 10. Still visible in the margin is a note to the artist indicating that a figure (figura) should be painted in the letter.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Manuscript Illumination with Saint Lawrence in an Initial C, from a GradualManuscript Illumination with Saint Lawrence in an Initial C, from a GradualManuscript Illumination with Saint Lawrence in an Initial C, from a GradualManuscript Illumination with Saint Lawrence in an Initial C, from a GradualManuscript Illumination with Saint Lawrence in an Initial C, from a Gradual

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.