Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) by Anonymous

Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) c. 1425 - 1450

aged paper

toned paper

ink paper printed

personal sketchbook

sketchbook drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

italy

sketchbook art

marker colouring

watercolor

This illuminated manuscript page, "Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World)," is a beautiful example of the artistry of an anonymous artist from the 15th century. The painting features a stylized depiction of Christ holding a sphere, symbolizing the world, against a red background. This piece showcases the intricate details and vibrant colors characteristic of illuminated manuscripts. The gold leaf accents and elaborate border decoration with a dragon and floral motifs add to the page's visual richness. Now located at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, this work provides a glimpse into the craftsmanship of medieval art.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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The decorated letter "I" shows Christ pointing to a disk-shaped mappa mundi (map of the world), a medieval representation of the then known lands, encircled by the ocean. The image is apt, for this "I" introduces the phrase In principio fecit deus celum et terram (In the beginning God made heaven and earth), with which the book of Genesis opens. The musical notation—neumes (square notes) marked on a four-line staff—is typical of Gregorian plainchant, liturgical music that developed in the Western Church beginning in the 8th century. A leafy scroll climbs the border, rising from the dragon at the bottom and pecked on top by a bizarre bird. Sophisticated decoration, rich colors, and sinuous lines are characteristic of the so-called International Gothic style.