15th-Century Italian Illuminated Manuscript Initial “U” – Saint Ursula of Cologne – Gold & Tempera on Vellum

Northern Italy, circa 1450–1480.
Illuminated initial in tempera, ink, and burnished gold on vellum.
Dimensions: approximately 13.8 × 10.2 cm (5.4 × 4 in.).
Verso with Gothic rotunda script from a large antiphonal.

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Description

A radiant historiated manuscript initial “U” painted in Italy during the second half of the 15th century, depicting Saint Ursula of Cologne crowned with gold and robed in soft blue and rose garments. The saint is rendered with serene expression and delicate contouring, her hands raised in devotion.

The initial is set within a vibrant foliate border of curling acanthus leaves in blue and green, against a background of burnished gold leaf and pink architectural bands. Surrounding the frame are pomegranate and fruit motifs, symbols of resurrection and eternal life. The level of execution suggests a skilled North Italian atelier, likely Lombardy or Emilia-Romagna.

This initial once adorned a grand liturgical choir book (antiphonal or gradual) used by a monastic or cathedral community, painted on thick vellum and richly illuminated to glorify sacred music and devotion.

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Artistic Context

The luminous color palette and intricate gilding exemplify the late Gothic–early Renaissance transition in Italian illumination, when regional schools combined medieval ornamentation with naturalistic figure modeling.

The use of raised and polished gold—reflecting light as the choir processed—marks this as a luxury commission, possibly for a Franciscan or Dominican house. Comparable stylistic parallels appear in manuscripts produced in Bologna, Ferrara, and Venice during the mid-15th century.

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Features
• Date: c. 1450–1480
• Origin: Northern Italy (likely Lombardy or Emilia-Romagna)
• Medium: Tempera, ink, and burnished gold on vellum
• Dimensions: 13.8 × 10.2 cm (5.4 × 4 in.)
• Subject: Saint Ursula of Cologne
• Verso: Latin Gothic rotunda text in dark brown ink on vellum

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Condition

Excellent preservation for its age. Minor flaking and toning consistent with handling in a choir book. Gold remains bright and reflective; colors retain exceptional vibrancy.

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Provenance

From a disbound 15th-century Italian illuminated choir book.
Formerly in a European private collection of devotional manuscripts.

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