
Emilian Artist
Saint John the Baptist
Written in Latin, a page from a Gradual, Introit to the Vigil of the Saint John the Baptist, Ne times Zacheria
Italy, likely Bologna, circa 1300
Overall dimensions, 515 x 367 mm.
Historiated initial “N”, 100 x 100 mm.
Rastrum, 30 mm. with four 4-lined staves (recto) & 28 mm. with seven 4-lined staves (verso), all in red ink
Tempera, ink and gold on parchment
$15,000
Saint John the Baptist stands before a light rose-colored background within an initial N for Ne timeas Zacharias at the beginning vigil of his feast, observed on June 23rd. Holding a scroll, he points out to the text. The initial is encased in a deep blue square. Colorful leafy arms protrude out into the open margin. The historiated initial was painted by an artist or atelier possibly working in Emilia, demonstrating the strong artistic tendencies associated with Bologna. Dating from around 1300, it relates to a larger group of dispersed leaves in public collections in American and British institutions.
PROVENANCE
1. Dr. Otto Oren Fischer (1881-1961), American collector of antiquities, letters, autographs, rare books and manuscripts.
2. Private collection, USA.




