Initial Letter Collection

Page from a Pythagorean manuscript translated by the humanist Marsilio Ficino (Marsilio Ficino)
BEN5464413 Page from a Pythagorean manuscript translated by the humanist Marsilio Ficino (Marsilio Ficino) the Florentine (1433-1499), ms. plut. 21. 8, c. 85 v

Decorated lettering with Saint John the Baptist holding the lamb, 15th century (miniature)
AIS5391472 Decorated lettering with Saint John the Baptist holding the lamb, 15th century (miniature); Archivo de la Corona de Aragon, Barcelona

Initial letter T depicting a boy resting by a signpost, 1850
3331118 Initial letter T depicting a boy resting by a signpost, 1850; (add.info.: Initial letter T depicting a boy resting by a signpost, by George Heywood Sumner (1853-1940)

"Deal of the incarnation against Nestorius" (De Incarnatione Domini contra Nestorium)
AIS5361697 "Deal of the incarnation against Nestorius" (De Incarnatione Domini contra Nestorium) (Nestorianism (of Patriarch Nestorius or Nestorios) by John Cassian (Joannes Cassianus)

" Comment must be held a pregnant woman " Miniature taken from a medical deal by Aldebrando da Firenze
AIS5368041 " Comment must be held a pregnant woman " Miniature taken from a medical deal by Aldebrando da Firenze. 1356 Folio 47r. Lisbon. Biblioteca National da Ajudah.; © Iberfoto

By Oratore by Cicero, 1468 (print)
7415657 By Oratore by Cicero, 1468 (print); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; (add.info.: Cicero (106-43 BC) From Oratore Printed by Ulrich Han Ulrich Han is probably part of the first circle of

Letter with portrait of the Grand Master of the Order of Jerusalem, 1385 (illumination)
AIS5365793 Letter with portrait of the Grand Master of the Order of Jerusalem, 1385 (illumination); Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid

The Triumph of Fame, from "Triumphs, sonnets and songs" by Petrarch (Francesco Petrarca, 1304-1374)
AIS5351936 The Triumph of Fame, from "Triumphs, sonnets and songs" by Petrarch (Francesco Petrarca, 1304-1374); Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid, Spain; © Iberfoto

Fantastic creatures, 12th century miniature
AIS5343333 Fantastic creatures, 12th century miniature; Biblioteca Nacional, Madrid, Spain; (add.info.: Illuminated lettering depicting fantastic creatures in front of men)

Letter with portrait of Juan Fernandez de Heredia (1310-1396) historian, humanist, politician of Aragon
AIS5351075 Letter with portrait of Juan Fernandez de Heredia (1310-1396) historian, humanist, politician of Aragon, grandmaster of the Order of Jerusalem, 1385 (miniature); Biblioteca Nacional

Bishop Writing the Greek Alphabet on the Floor of the Church, early 14th century (vellum)
FIT111706 Bishop Writing the Greek Alphabet on the Floor of the Church, early 14th century (vellum); 30x24.5 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

Letter decorated with a rooster, 15th century (miniature)
AIS5386806 Letter decorated with a rooster, 15th century (miniature); General Archive of the Crown of Aragon, Barcelona, Spain; (add.info)

Letter with portrait of Juan (Jean) Fernandez de Heredia, 1385 (illumination)
AIS5368727 Letter with portrait of Juan (Jean) Fernandez de Heredia, 1385 (illumination); National Library of Spain, Madrid

Letter O with Portrait of Averroes (1126 - 1198) Arab philosopher and doctor. 14th century miniature
BEN5464109 Letter O with Portrait of Averroes (1126 - 1198) Arab philosopher and doctor. 14th century miniature. Biblioteca Malatestiana. Cesena

Beginning of St Luke's Gospel, 1894 (print)
3786795 Beginning of St Luke's Gospel, 1894 (print); (add.info.: Beginning of St Luke's Gospel - from the Lindisfarne Gospel. 720 A.D. A Short History of the English People, Volume I)

Hunters Pursuing a Deer, c.1430-40 (tempera colours, gold paint, silver paint & gold leaf)
8678061 Hunters Pursuing a Deer, c.1430-40 (tempera colours, gold paint, silver paint & gold leaf) by French School, (15th century); J

Saint Mark, c.1410 ( tempera colours, gold leaf, gold paint & ink)
8677958 Saint Mark, c.1410 ( tempera colours, gold leaf, gold paint & ink) by Master of Egerton, (active 1405-20); J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Initial "B" (eatus Vir) from a Choir Psalter, c. 1430-50 (ink, tempera and gold leaf on vellum)
XOS5884574 Initial "B" (eatus Vir) from a Choir Psalter, c. 1430-50 (ink, tempera and gold leaf on vellum) by Master of the Vitae Imperatorum (15th century)

Initial letters from a Celtic alphabet taken from illuminated ma, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233448 Initial letters from a Celtic alphabet taken from illuminated ma, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Peter IV of Aragon called the Ceremonial or el del punyalet, 14th century (illumination)
CUL4853934 Peter IV of Aragon called the Ceremonial or el del punyalet, 14th century (illumination) by Spanish School, (14th century); (add.info)

Initial alphabet letter Q, 1500-40 (pen and red and purple ink, with stencil in red and blue ink on paper)
7308221 Initial alphabet letter Q, 1500-40 (pen and red and purple ink, with stencil in red and blue ink on paper) by German School, (16th century); hxw:letter4.3x5 cm; Ashmolean Museum

Songbook 1. Letter G adorned: Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (25 fol. )
7294925 Songbook 1. Letter G adorned: Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (25 fol.) by Master's Burgo Osma (1400-50); Cathedral Museum, Burgo de Osma

Songbook 5. Drop Cap: Nativity (fol. 139)
7294926 Songbook 5. Drop Cap: Nativity (fol. 139) by Master's Burgo Osma (1400-50); Cathedral Museum, Burgo de Osma, Spain; (add.info.: Master's Burgo Osma (1400 - 1450) Songbook 5

Woman of the court of King Francis I, 1515-1547. She wears a chaperon headdress
FLO4657265 Woman of the court of King Francis I, 1515-1547. She wears a chaperon headdress, a red velvet especially decorated with gold stripes, puff sleeves, and a gold-striped petticoat

Decorative initial letters and borders from a 13th century illum, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233435 Decorative initial letters and borders from a 13th century illum, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Alphabet of initial letters in foliage from a French manuscript, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233457 Alphabet of initial letters in foliage from a French manuscript, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Alphabet of initial letters decorated with garlands and birds fr, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233456 Alphabet of initial letters decorated with garlands and birds fr, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Initial A, border and other elements with coat of arms from a 13, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233439 Initial A, border and other elements with coat of arms from a 13, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Initial A)

Alphabet of decorative initial letters O to V, 13th century. 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233433 Alphabet of decorative initial letters O to V, 13th century. 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Alphabet of decorative initial letters O to V)

Initial letters from Jean de Sys illuminated Bible, 14th centur, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233445 Initial letters from Jean de Sys illuminated Bible, 14th centur, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Alphabet of initial letters from a French manuscript, 16th centu, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233460 Alphabet of initial letters from a French manuscript, 16th centu, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Alphabet of initial letters from a French manuscript)

Alphabet of initial letters from a Latin Bible of the 13th centu, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233454 Alphabet of initial letters from a Latin Bible of the 13th centu, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Alphabet of initial letters from a Latin Bible)

Initial letters taken from a 16th century Italian manuscript. 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233452 Initial letters taken from a 16th century Italian manuscript. 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Alphabet of illuminated initial letters with foliage, 15th centu, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233449 Alphabet of illuminated initial letters with foliage, 15th centu, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Decorative initial ABCD from the Bible of King Jean II, 14th cen, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233443 Decorative initial ABCD from the Bible of King Jean II, 14th cen, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Initials from a 14th century illuminated manuscript. 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233441 Initials from a 14th century illuminated manuscript. 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Painted carving from the choir at Notre Dame de Paris)

Illuminated frame and paintings from Notre Dame, 13th century. 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233438 Illuminated frame and paintings from Notre Dame, 13th century. 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Frame with initial M and monster from the Psalter of St)

Ornate alphabet from a French illuminated manuscript 15th centur, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233455 Ornate alphabet from a French illuminated manuscript 15th centur, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Initial letters from a Gothic alphabet. 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233453 Initial letters from a Gothic alphabet. 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Initial letters from a Gothic alphabet. Alphabet Gothique)

Initial letters and border foliage from Jean de Sys illuminated, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233444 Initial letters and border foliage from Jean de Sys illuminated, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Decorative initial letters and borders from a 13th century illum, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233437 Decorative initial letters and borders from a 13th century illum, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Alphabet of decorative initial letters XYZ, 13th century. 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233434 Alphabet of decorative initial letters XYZ, 13th century. 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info.: Alphabet of decorative initial letters XYZ)

The Gradual. Initial R: The Resurrection, c. 1500 (tempera, gold leaf and ink on parchment)
FIA5391766 The Gradual. Initial R: The Resurrection, c.1500 (tempera, gold leaf and ink on parchment) by Monza, Antonio da (fl.1480-1505); 64.1 x 43.5 cm; J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, USA

Dedication page with illuminated inscription, 1856 (chromolithograph)
7233872 Dedication page with illuminated inscription, 1856 (chromolithograph) by Stothard, Charles Alfred (1786-1821) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dedication page to Eleanor Percy)

Alphabet of decorative initial letters taken from manuscripts of, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233458 Alphabet of decorative initial letters taken from manuscripts of, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Initial letters in the Ronde (Round) script decorated with garla, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233451 Initial letters in the Ronde (Round) script decorated with garla, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Initial letters from Jean de Sys illuminated Bible, 14th centur, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233446 Initial letters from Jean de Sys illuminated Bible, 14th centur, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

Decorative initial letters taken from 13th century illuminated B, 1897 (Chromolithograph)
7233440 Decorative initial letters taken from 13th century illuminated B, 1897 (Chromolithograph) by Guillot, Ernest (19th century); (add.info)

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"Exploring the Artistry of Initial Letters: From Ceremonial to Chromolithograph" Step back in time and discover the fascinating world of initial letters. In the 14th century, Peter IV of Aragon introduced us to the ceremonial letter, also known as "el del punyalet. " This intricate illumination showcased his regal taste and attention to detail. Fast forward a few centuries, and we encounter an exquisite pen-drawn initial alphabet letter Q from 1500-40. Its vibrant red and purple ink, along with stenciled patterns in red and blue ink on paper, demonstrate the skillful craftsmanship of its creator. Music lovers will be captivated by Songbook 1's adorned Letter G depicting the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. The delicate brushstrokes bring this biblical scene to life, while Songbook 5's Drop Cap showcases a stunning Nativity illustration on folio 139. Traveling further into history, we meet a woman from King Francis I's court in her resplendent attire. Her chaperon headdress beautifully complements her red velvet gown adorned with gold stripes. Notably, her pearl necklace features an enchanting repetition of the initial letter E throughout. The late 19th-century brought forth chromolithographs that preserved these artistic treasures for generations to come. A decorative initial letter illuminated manuscript from that era mesmerizes with its intricate borders and foliage motifs. Another French manuscript presents an entire alphabet decked out in garlands and birds—a true feast for the eyes. Coat-of-arms enthusiasts will appreciate a chromolithograph featuring an impressive Initial A alongside other elements from a 13th-century masterpiece—each detail meticulously crafted to perfection. Our journey through time concludes with two more remarkable chromolithographs: one showcasing an Alphabet of Decorative Initial Letters O to V from a 13th-century source; another presenting captivating initials extracted from Jean de Sys' illuminated Bible, dating back to the 14th century.