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Initial G: The First Steps of Jesus

Unknownabout 1300

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

Within an initial G, the Virgin Mary teaches the infant Jesus to walk. Despite the domestic nature of her activity, she appears enthroned and crowned because the initial opens a prayer in praise of her: Gaude Maria xp[ist]i genitrix gloriosa (Rejoice in Mary the glorious mother of Christ). Two figures kneel below the initial, looking up toward the scene above. The vivid hand gestures and exaggerated facial expression of the man in front suggests that he fears the baby will fall out of the initial.

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  • Title: Initial G: The First Steps of Jesus
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: about 1300
  • Location Created: Northeastern France, France
  • Physical Dimensions: Leaf: 26.4 × 18.3 cm (10 3/8 × 7 3/16 in.)
  • Type: Folio
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Tempera colors, gold leaf, and ink on parchment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 83.ML.99.53
  • Culture: French
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. Ludwig IX 3, fol. 53
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Manuscripts (Documents)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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