MEDIEVAL MINIATURE-KING DAVID

KING DAVID IN PENITENCE - HISTORIATED INITIAL "U" CUT FROM A CHOIRBOOK (C.1470). FERRARA: C.1470.

      113 x 128mm (overall). From illuminated manuscript on vellum. Within a pink-staved initial decorated with white penwork and blue and green foliage and set against a burnished gold ground, the half length figure of King David, white-haired and bearded, wearing a girdled green robe and a tall turbaned crown, beating his breasts and his eyes raised towards the golden rays that spark to decorate the dark blue background. Some staining affecting the background, some losses to gold. Cut to shape. Mounted and framed. From the collection of Duncan Benesford-Jones. Large in size. This fine intial is attributable to Guglielmo Giraldi or one of his collaborators. He was the favorite illumintaor of Borso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara and was also responsible for the decoration of series of choirbooks for Ferraese churches and monasteries. The present intial is tellingly close in drapery style, gesture, and background to his work.