Crucifixion, with the four Evangelists.

Illumination, 29 x 20,5 cm, on vellum gold leaf (sl. spotted, some def. at edges and corners).

Pasted upon a cardboard support.

Very nice full-page miniature of the Crucifixion scene with St John, Mary Magdalene and Mary lamenting the death of Christ. In the background a lush landscape. In the far distance the city of Jerusalem can be seen. Atmospheric perspective with blue and green is applied to generate the illusion of distance. The bodies of the figures are rendered in great detail and with great care. The very bright and lively colours and the elongated body of Christ show some mannerist influences. The scene is framed by some nicely leaf-ornamented margins, which contain the four Evangelists in gilt medallions, accompanied by their symbols. Layout and style of the miniature are very comparable to those commissioned by the Venetian Doges between 1530 and 1550. The marginal decoration with medallions is identical to that of a manuscript commissioned by Aloisio Lauredano in 1534 (BnF Ms. Lat. 4741). Other comparable miniatures are in the BnF Ms. Lat. 4739 (1530), BnF Ms. Lat. 4740 (1531) and BnF Ms. Lat. 4745 (1553). There is possibly also a link with the workshop of Jacopo Bassano, who started his artistic career in Venice in 1534.