Virgin and Apostles, historiated initial from a Choirbook [Italy (Florence or Siena), c.1495-1500]

cutting, 85x82mm, vellum, initial 'C', rubbing to gold leaf and some of the faces, laid down on board, framed, with the label 'Frédéric Petit, Rue Anipère, 95, Dorure & Encadrements'

This initial is painted by the little-known Florentine illuminator LITTIFREDI DI CORBIZZI, as recognized by Gaudenz Freuler. The artist signed two of his surviving miniatures with his name 'Litti Florentie' (Manchester, Univ. Lib., MS 14n.II., f.10r) and 'Hoc Littes Philippi de Corbizis pinsit hoc opus An. Domini 1494' (Siena, Bibl. Com., MS X.V.III, f.50r). From 1494 to 1515 he worked in Siena. Characteristic of his style are the elongated heads and clear outlines. The present initial probably belonged to the same manuscript as another cutting with various Martyr Saints in a private collection (see G. Freuler, Italian Miniatures, 2012, II, no.102).