Cutting from an Antiphonary: Initial A[spiciens a longe]: The Tree of Jesse, c. 1115-1125. Germany, Meuse Valley, 12th century. Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; sheet: 18 x 16 cm (7 1/16 x 6 5/16 in.). This complex initial "A" is formed of meandering plant tendrils, neatly and symmetrically placed at the center of a succession of square frames to which the letter is securely attached above and below. The whole forms a Tree of Jesse showing Christ's ancestors beginning with King David (bottom). The text would have begun, "Long have I been " These are the words of Isaiah, who fores
Cutting from an Antiphonary: Initial A[spiciens a longe]: The Tree of Jesse, c. 1115-1125. Germany, Meuse Valley, 12th century. Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; sheet: 18 x 16 cm (7 1/16 x 6 5/16 in.). This complex initial "A" is formed of meandering plant tendrils, neatly and symmetrically placed at the center of a succession of square frames to which the letter is securely attached above and below. The whole forms a Tree of Jesse showing Christ's ancestors beginning with King David (bottom). The text would have begun, "Long have I been " These are the words of Isaiah, who foresaw the coming of Christ. Isaiah's prophecies are the basis for the representations of the Tree of Jesse, often seen in medieval art.
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Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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