Author: [NETO, Estêvao Gonçalves, circle of (attributed)].
Title: [Historiated initial - Capital "G"].[Viseu?, first quarter of the 17th century]. Frame: ca. 36.5 x 33.5 cm. Tempera on parchment (ca. 20 x 21 cm), heightened with gold. Mounted in a passe-partout (ca. 28.5 x 25.5 cm), framed behind glass in a later gold frame.
Description: Beautifully painted historiated initial, attributed to the circle of Estêvão Gonçalves Neto (?-1627), who is often considered to be Portugal's finest miniature artist. The work has been exhibited twice in 2016, in the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon, and the Grão Vasco Museum in Viseu, where it has been examined by experts. It can be found in the accompanying catalogues. The work represents a large capital G, which surrounds Christ and nine of his disciples. It has been delicately painted with muted colours. The halos, edges of the clothes, parts of the capital letter, and the painted frame around the scene are heightened with gold. The initial was likely originally part of a large choir book, as a psalm with musical annotation can be found on the back. The margins have been cut off on the top and bottom of the work. The painting has been strengthened with paper in these areas, but this is hidden by the passe-partout when the work is framed.Neto was a Portuguese priest, and chaplain to the bishop of Viseu. He was also a talented artist, however, and became a notable illuminator. His masterpiece is a Roman pontifical, known as the Missal of the Academy of Sciences (in Lisbon). This profusely illustrated work was commissioned by the bishop of Viseu and is considered to be the finest example of Portuguese miniature art.The work has been scratched in the upper right corner, slightly affecting the image, the parchment has been cut somewhat short on the top and bottom, and has been strengthened with paper in these areas. The frame shows some signs of wear. Otherwise in good condition.l Museo Grao Vasco, Ale´m de Grao Vasco: do Douro ao Mondego: a pintura entre o Renascimento e a Contrarreforma (2016-17), nr. 44; Museo Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon, Estêvao Gonçalves Neto - The Last Illuminator (2016), nr. 10.

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