[Manuscript illumination: Initial]
Collection:CSM Museum & Study Collection
Date: early - mid 13th century
Medium: Ink, paint and gold leaf on parchment
Object number: F.34.9
DescriptionThis is a particularly unusual, if not rather unique historiated major initial as it actually comprises of two initials, both of which are inhabited. The first, an 'O' rendered in grey (or possibly silver) on an irregular rectilinear ground of gold leaf (with black outlining). The 'O' is inhabited by a crowned figure, staring upwards toward the right and probably towards the text. The second initial is a 'Q' rendered in green on a blue ground (and infill), the center of which is inhabited by the head of a bald man. All decorated with white (or possibly silver) overpainting.