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Front Cover for a Gospel Book of French Cardinal Jean La Balou (1421-1491), c. 1467-1468
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Front Cover for a Gospel Book of French Cardinal Jean La Balou (1421-1491), c. 1467-1468
Front Cover for a Gospel Book of French Cardinal Jean La Balou (1421-1491), c. 1467-1468. Scenes from Christs infancy decorate this cover that once adorned the front of a gospel book. It is made up of a series of silver plaques held together by gilt-silver borders. The plaques are engraved, and the resulting fine lines or depressions have been filled with a silver sulfide alloy, lustrous black in colour, in a technique called niello. It is one of the finest examples of this decorative technique for which Florence was renowned in the 15th century. This cover and its manuscript once belonged to the French cardinal, Jean La Balou, who was jailed in 1469. He presented his gospel book to Pope Paul II as a gift, perhaps in the hope of receiving his freedom. The gospel book, of which its two covers have survived (the back cover is in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts), remained in the papal apartments until the end of the 18th century, perhaps leaving when Napoleons troops held the Vatican
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Media ID 19618669
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the front cover of a Gospel Book that once belonged to French Cardinal Jean La Balou, dating back to the late 15th century. The cover is an exquisite display of scenes depicting Christ's infancy, meticulously engraved on silver plaques and adorned with gilt-silver borders. A remarkable decorative technique known as niello was employed, where fine lines were filled with a lustrous black silver sulfide alloy. Considered one of Florence's finest examples from this period, this Gospel Book cover holds historical significance beyond its artistic beauty. It was gifted by Cardinal La Balou to Pope Paul II in 1469, possibly as an attempt to secure his own freedom during his imprisonment. The manuscript and its covers remained within the papal apartments until the late 18th century when it may have been displaced during Napoleon's occupation of the Vatican. The accompanying image captures every intricate detail of this magnificent artifact, allowing viewers to appreciate its craftsmanship and rich symbolism. This photograph is a testament to the enduring legacy of religious artistry and serves as a reminder of the turbulent history surrounding such precious treasures. Preserved through time, this Front Cover for a Gospel Book stands as a testament to both faith and human ambition in pursuit of liberation.
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