Manuscript illumination in an initial A from an antiphonal: Two Marys at the Tomb

Artist Circle of Bergognone (Ambrogio da Fossano) Italian, 1453–1523

Datecirca 1495–1505

MediumTempera, ink, and gold on parchment

DimensionsMax H. 10 3/8 in. (26.4 cm) x Max W. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm) [work is not square]

ClassificationsBook Arts

Credit LineGift of J. B. Neumann in memory of W. R. Valentiner

Object numberG.59.20.2

On View

On view

Label TextThis large choir book initial combines the monumentality of panel painting with the delicacy of manuscript illumination. The initial A introduced a chant to be recited Easter morning: “An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and coming, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it” (Matthew 28:1).

In accordance with Matthew’s full account of the Resurrection, we see “Mary Magdalen and the other Mary” approaching Christ’s tomb when an angel suddenly appears, “his countenance … as lightning, and his raiment as snow.” “Fear not you,” he tells them, “for [Jesus] is risen.” The artist captured the angel’s dazzling brightness by cladding him in a luxurious white robe and star-speckled blue and green cape fastened with a jeweled clasp.
[L. Humphrey, “The People’s Collection, Reimagined,” 2026]
Published References"Catalogue of Early Book Art," North Carolina Museum of Art Calendar of Art Events (May 1962), cat. no. 4.Exhibition HistoryRaleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "Early Book Art," May 1962, then traveling, cat. no. 4.

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, “Reflections on Light: Works from the NCMA Collection,” [Part 1] September 9, 2020–April 4, 2021.

Raleigh, NC, North Carolina Museum of Art, "The People's Collection Reimagined," May 19, 2026-present.
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