Christ Blessing Three Young Men, initial M from a Gradual 1320 - 1330

"Christ Blessing Three Young Men," an illuminated initial M from a Gradual, was created by the Italian artist Maestro Daddesco between 1320 and 1330. The painting, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts Christ in a blue robe, raising his hand in blessing, while three young men kneel before him in prayer. This intricate work is a masterful example of 14th-century Italian illumination, showcasing the period's characteristic vibrant colors, detailed ornamentation, and religious subject matter. The elaborate design of the initial M, framed within a colorful border, enhances the visual appeal and adds to the work's devotional significance.