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Inhabited Initial P

Unknownprobably 1170s

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

A large initialP begins the introit, a chant sung by the choir as the priest enters the sanctuary, for the main Mass of Christmas day: Puer nat[us] est nobis(A boy is born for us). The musical notation written above the text indicates the chant melodies. The naked man and fox cavorting simply provide decoration among the fruit-bearing vines swirling through and around the letter.

Details

  • Title: Inhabited Initial P
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: probably 1170s
  • Location Created: Hildesheim, Germany
  • Physical Dimensions: Leaf: 28.2 × 18.9 cm (11 1/8 × 7 7/16 in.)
  • Type: Folio
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf, and ink on parchment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 97.MG.21.16
  • Culture: German
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. 64, fol. 16
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Manuscripts (Documents)

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