Christ Blessing, historiated initial from a Choirbook, in Latin [Italy, perhaps Umbria, late 13th century]

cutting, 113x101mm, vellum, initial ‘O’, remains of one line of text and music on four-line red staves, rastrum 34mm, creased at top, in good condition, framed

Characteristic of this illumination is the relief-like depiction of Christ blessing, and the colour combination of soft peach, olive green and grey, set in sharp contrast to intense blue and glowing orange. The decorative repertoire for the initial and the composition of Christ refer to models from the second half of the 13th century. The style is hard to pin down. It may have been painted by a monastic artist active in Umbria.