An important Renaissance illumination by Taddeo Crivelli c.1460 ‘Christus Triumphans’

Taddeo Crivelli c.1460: (Ferrara, Italy) Magnificent large miniature in gold leaf titled Christ Triumphans

Description: This exquisite miniature depicts the risen Christ, known as the Salvator Mundi, emerging from the grave, adorned in rich robes, and positioned within an ornate historiated initial “R” formed of acanthus leaves. The scene features two Roman soldiers—one seated and one kneeling—while Christ holds a long spear topped with a golden cross and a billowing victory flag emblazoned with a red cross on a white background. His right hand is raised in a gesture of blessing, symbolizing His triumph over death and the promise of eternal life.

Dimensions: Approximately 15.4 x 14 cm

Technique: The artwork is rendered in opaque colours on a gold leaf background, with a verso featuring square notation on a four-line red system alongside text fragments from a liturgical manuscript.

Historical Context: This miniature dates back to approximately 1460, originating from Ferrara, Italy. It is a powerful representation of the theme “R[esurrexit Dominus a mortuis, sicut dixerat; exsultemus et laetemur omnes, quoniam ipse regnat in aeternum]” based on 1 Corinthians 15:12, portraying Christ’s resurrection.

Artist Background: Taddeo Crivelli (documented 1451-1479) is celebrated as a leading painter and miniaturist of the 15th-century Ferrarese school. He is renowned for his richly illustrated works, including a two-volume Bible for Duke Borso d’Este and other significant projects like illuminated editions of Boccaccio’s Decameron. Crivelli is recognized for his meticulous attention to texture and a vibrant color palette enhanced with gold.

Condition: The artwork remains in good condition, although trimmed slightly, resulting in minor losses to the encircling line and the initial’s extensions. The gold ground exhibits some brittleness, and the surface shows slight color abrasion in places, yet retains magnificent, nuanced colors.

Provenance: This piece has passed through private collections in France and Germany. The initial miniature fragment comes from the same hymn book (antiphonal) manuscript as the “Trinitas” miniature “B,” which was sold to the Paul Getty Museum for over £50,000 at a Christie’s Live auction on November 24, 2004 (lot 6958).