Copy of a historiated initial thumbnail 1
Copy of a historiated initial thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level E , Case I, Shelf 81, Box X

Copy of a historiated initial

Facsimile
2nd half 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Caleb Wing was a specialist in the reproduction of medieval illuminations. John Jarman (died 1864) was one of the collectors for whom he worked. This facsimile was made from the Della Rovere Missal, which was illuminated in Italy in the 1490s by Francesco Bettini. It was probably made while Wing was repairing the original, which had been damaged by a flood. At that time John Jarman owned the Missal.

Wing was also a teacher. We know that he gave lessons in 'Missal Painting and Flower Painting from Nature' to young women in Brighton during the holiday season in 1859. Illumination was considered to be a genteel pastime. It was a drawing-room pursuit for women of good family. It was claimed to be more rewarding than embroidery or crochet-work.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleCopy of a historiated initial
Materials and techniques
Water-based pigments, gilding and ink on parchment
Brief description
Copy by Caleb Wing of a historiated initial (Presentation of Christ in the Temple), signed by Francesco Bettini, in the Della Rovere Missal, made in Rome in the 1490s; England; second half of the 19th century
Physical description
Specimen of a manuscript
Dimensions
  • Height: 14.5cm
  • Width: 17cm
Object history
Purchased from Sotheby's London, sale of 11 March 1899, lot 133. Bought for £3.12.6).
Information drawn from the Register of Drawings 1896 to 1902, p. 54.
Subject depicted
Summary
Caleb Wing was a specialist in the reproduction of medieval illuminations. John Jarman (died 1864) was one of the collectors for whom he worked. This facsimile was made from the Della Rovere Missal, which was illuminated in Italy in the 1490s by Francesco Bettini. It was probably made while Wing was repairing the original, which had been damaged by a flood. At that time John Jarman owned the Missal.

Wing was also a teacher. We know that he gave lessons in 'Missal Painting and Flower Painting from Nature' to young women in Brighton during the holiday season in 1859. Illumination was considered to be a genteel pastime. It was a drawing-room pursuit for women of good family. It was claimed to be more rewarding than embroidery or crochet-work.
Collection
Accession number
D.310-1899

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Record createdFebruary 27, 2004
Record URL
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