Illuminated Leaf from a Missal with Dutch text on the verso | Austria, possibly Vienna/Salzburg or Klosterneuburg | c.1430

415 × 280 mm, an illuminated single leaf from a Missal, depicting the crucifixion, Christ flanked by Virgin Mary and Saint John on gold ground, in frame of red and blue with golden floral elements, the frame is surrounded by fine sprouting and curling vines in dark ink interspersed with flowers, initials ‘MI’ embedded on the left in the ink drawn border, below the scene is a golden ‘kissing-cross’; gold leaf rubbed and pigment rubbed particularly figure of St John and lower half of miniature, water damage stain in right lower margin, centre fold crease and two horizontal creases which show that the miniature was kept folded for some time.

A SERENE CRUCIFIXION SCENE BY THE MASTER MICHAEL

PROVENANCE

1. From a Missal produced in the area of Vienna/Salzburg, potentially Klosterneuburg c.1430.

2. Verso of leaf reused as a Dutch notarial document in 1489.

3. Private collection, Europe.

COMMENTARY

This beautiful leaf originates from a large-format Missal and depicts a finely executed Crucifixion scene set within a blue and red frame. Christ on the Cross is flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John, set against a radiantly gilded background. The figures are characterised by slender proportions and expressive restraint. Together with the stylised drapery, this firmly roots the work within the International Gothic style. The soft, almost pastel-like palette with its hues of terracotta, lapis blue, and pale green, emphasises the warm gold.

The leaf is strongly reminiscent of the work of Master Michael, based on its composition, elegant figures, and decorative details. The floral marginalia and the emotionally restrained presentation of the figures are both features that are closely aligned with manuscripts attributed to the circle of Mater Michael, such as the Getty Missal (Ludwig V 6) and the Klosterneuburg Antiphonals (Cod. 65–68). Master Michael was active in Vienna and Klosterneuburg between 1420 and 1450. Embedded discreetly within the left margin is a monogram reading ‘MI’, likely referencing the artist or rubricator. While no securely documented monogram is known for Master Michael, the initials correspond to his name and may indicate authorship or workshop oversight.

The leaf’s verso bears a notarial deed in Middle Dutch, dated 1489, granting Johann Schreiver, citizen of Lübeck, a parcel of agricultural land by the former owner Didrich of Hettwischen. The re-use of large pieces of good-quality vellum, as offered by obsolete liturgical manuscripts, is a well-documented practice for later legal documents. Using the verso of an elegant miniature seems counterintuitive, but it certainly made the contract eye-catching and might have lent it additional spiritual weight.

A beautiful leaf whose artistry and overall condition reveal much about the (after)life of liturgical manuscripts.

LITERATURE

Unpublished.

FURTHER READING

Getty Museum, Ludwig V 6 (Missal, c. 1420–30).

cf. Klosterneuburg, Cod. 65–68 (Antiphonals, ca.1430).

Rischpler, S., Der Illuminator Michael. Purkersdorf: Brüder Hollinek, 2009.