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Richly Painted Miniature Depicting the Circumcision of Christ |
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Detail. Additional image below |
Stunning leaf from a northern French Book of Hours
depicting the circumcision of Christ. This unusual scene is
painted on vellum, three-quarter page arch topped. The illuminator
generously painted the scene creating rich blues, reds, pinks, greens,
and gold. Elaborate decorated borders include acanthus leaves and bright
flowers in reds, blues, greens, yellows, pinks, and gold The
miniature is quite large and compelling. A rare and beautiful
painting! Minor staining to lower border. Also note that the
verso of the
leaf is blank. Size: 180 x 125 mm (approx. 7.0 x 5.0 inches) Miniature: 110x 60 mm $4550. #IMC5206
Frame available for this item.
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| The Feast of the Circumcision of Christ was traditionally celebrated on January 1. According to Jewish tradition, the circumcision is performed on the 8th day of life; thus, given a December 25th birthday, Christ's circumcision would have occurred on January 1. The adaptation of the festival of the Circumcision as the New Year did not occur until the 16th century when Pope Gregory XIII shifted the calendar from the old Julian calendar to the new Gregorian calendar. Prior to the adaptation of the January 1 date, regions and countries celebrated the New Year on different dates; however, March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, was a common date for many European countries. While most Christians today do not knowingly celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision, in fact, much of the world (Christian and non-Christian) inadvertently celebrates through New Year's festivities. | |
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