The circle of Liberale de Verona, late fifteenth century

Unlike the manuscript fragments used in bookbindings, this miniature was cut out of its manuscript for its own sake, to be shown independently as a work of art. The painting was originally part of a truly spectacular Gradual, where it was the illustration for the beginning of Christmas Mass (the "P" of "Puer natus est"). Although similar in style to the work of Liberale de Verona (1445-ca.1529), this Christmas scene was probably painted not by Liberale himself but by an artist in his circle, perhaps Girolamo da Cremona, with whom he collaborated from 1472-4. Between them, the two artists produced some of the finest manuscript miniatures of the Quattrocento. An account book for their work during this period includes an entry dated 17 June 1473 recording a payment of 31 lire and 10 soldi to Girolamo for a "large miniature with the story of the Nativity of Our Lord"--this could very well be that same painting.

Parchment, 176 x 154 mm.