Two Cuttings from a Missal

Unknown

about 1475–1500

Tempera colors and gold, Tempera Colors, Gold

J. Paul Getty Museum

The Adoration of the Magi is depicted with Mary holding the infant Jesus, surrounded by the three kings, one of whom kneels. The scene is framed by a decorative border. Illuminated in late-15th century Nuremburg, these two historiated initials likely adorned a lavish missal, a manuscript used during the Catholic Mass. Illuminated hand-written and illustrated printed missals were among the most popular types of books with imagery created in the years leading up to the 16th century in the German region. The first initial is a letter E, which shows the Nativity; the second initial is a letter S, which shows the Presentation of the Temple. The initials reflect the artistic style of the region, with its high use of decorative surface ornamentation and liberally applied gold that is sprinkled liberally t