ticketsMember | Make a donation

Ascension in an Initial V

ca. 1342–50
Not on view
This initial illustrates the antiphon for the Feast of the Ascension: Viri [ga]lile [i quid aspicitis in caelum?] ("Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up to heaven?").
Inside the initial V, painted with a luminous gold ground, the Virgin is flanked by Saint Peter (left) and an unidentified apostle (right) who gaze toward the half-length figure of the blessing Christ. This miniature is a typical example of the production of the painter and illuminator Niccolò di Ser Sozzo. The author of a large body of manuscript illuminations in addition to several panel paintings, this artist was the leading miniaturist of Siena in the mid-fourteenth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ascension in an Initial V
  • Artist: Niccolò di ser Sozzo (Italian, Siena, active ca. 1334, died 1363)
  • Date: ca. 1342–50
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on parchment
  • Dimensions: Cutting: 6 1/16 x 6 5/16 in. (15.4 x 16cm)
    Initial: 4 1/4 x 3 7/8 in. (10.8 x 9.8cm)
    Stave: 1 1/8 in. (2.9cm)
  • Classification: Manuscripts and Illuminations
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
    1975.1.2472
  • Object Number: 1975.1.2472
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Manuscript Leaf with the Assumption of the Virgin in an Initial V, from an Antiphonary, Niccolò di ser Sozzo Italian, Tempera, ink, and gold on parchment, Italian
Manuscript Leaf with the Assumption of the Virgin in an Initial V, from an Antiphonary
Niccolò di ser Sozzo
ca. 1340
The Last Supper, Ugolino da Siena (Ugolino di Nerio) Italian, Tempera and gold on wood
The Last Supper
Ugolino da Siena (Ugolino di Nerio)
ca. 1325–30
The Adoration of the Magi, Bartolo di Fredi Italian, Tempera and gold on wood
The Adoration of the Magi
Bartolo di Fredi
ca. 1390
Saint Ansanus, Simone Martini Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Saint Ansanus
Simone Martini
ca. 1326
Madonna and Child, Simone Martini Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child
Simone Martini
ca. 1326

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.