Pope Mark with a Book. Historiated initial S on a leaf, possibly from a Gradual on vellum, illuminated by Nicolò di Giacomo da Bologna.
Italy, Bologna, 1375-1380.
According to its page heading, this leaf is folio 94 of a Gradual that has been preserved in two known leaves. The present leaf shows the beginning of the Office for Pope Mark: "Sacerdotes Dei Benedicte Dominum". Mark was Pope for a very brief period from 18 January to 7 October 336, a mere eight months and twenty days before his death.
In this portrayal, the holy Pope Mark is shown as a bearded half-figure crowned with a tiara, in a strict frontal view. His face shows signs of old age, the bridge of his nose is especially wrinkled. In his left hand he holds an open book, while his right hand lifts in a gesture of blessing. The surrounding letter S is painted in pale pink and dark blue and is decorated with delicate, white lines. The Pope’s red and green cape matches the colours of the acanthus leaves emanating from the letter.
This miniature’s stylistic features of can be traced to Nicolò di Giacomo da Bologna who was born around 1320-1330 and whose works dominated the latter half of 14th-century illumination in Bologna. The Bolognese School of miniature painting was based on three stylistic influences: firstly, Byzantine art, which inspired colour choices, composition, and iconography; secondly, French Gothic style, reflected in the figures’ emotionality; and thirdly, the predominance of lay miniature painting in Bolognese Trecento visual culture, which was due to the patronage of lay institutions and the oeuvre and influence of Giotto, without whom the style of Nicolò would be almost unthinkable.
