Consecration of a Church, initial T, illuminated by the Master of Sant’Agnese (workshop), Bologna, c. 1290-1300.
Cutting: 140 x 130 mm. Tempera and burnished gold on vellum.
Provenance: Europe, private collection; Switzerland, private collection; NY, Alana collection
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This intricate artwork showcases a pivotal moment in religious tradition: the dedication of a church by a bishop accompanied by a group of clerics. Though the artist remains unidentified, the style aligns with the early works of the Master of Sant’Agnese di Valdipietra, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of medieval Bologna.
The illumination captivates with its pale pink initial T, lined in light blue shades, set against a dark blue background. The letter's body is adorned with beads, globes, and rectangles in orange and gold leaf, creating a visually striking effect. Within the initial, a solemn procession of high church dignitaries stands before a church. The scene features a green portico with a rose window, revealing a double-arched gate leading to an altar with an eternal light above it. The church's rear, painted in a slightly darker pink than the initial, and a bright red roof reflect the bishop's attire as he consecrates the building with a green branch.
The style of the piece is linked to the circle of the Master of Sant’Agnese di Valdipietra, a workshop that was renowned for creating large choir book sets for the Dominican nunneries of Sant’Agnese di Valdipietra and Santa Maria Maddalena di Val di Pietra in Bologna.
Comparison with other works, such as our initial M depicting St. Dominic preaching to nuns, reveals similarities in colour choices, figure arrangements, and stylistic elements. Both pieces feature pale pink and blueish-green hues, isocephalic figure arrangements, and rigid postures. The artists favoured pale complexions with dark-shaded eyes, reflecting the conservative yet intricate style of the period.
In the miniature at hand, various artistic influences converge, creating a new, slightly rigid yet ornamental styletypical for the second style of Bolognese illumination. This artwork is a fascinating example of medieval Bolognese illumination. Its intricate design and solemn subject, make it a beautiful witness to Bolognese illumination.
