Moses Counting the Children of Israel

Französische Grafik 1285–1700, c. 1270

This is a painting of an ornate manuscript page with illuminated text and a decorative initial. The page features a beautifully illustrated capital letter 'L' with an illuminated scene depicting five figures in medieval attire set against a gold background. They are arranged within the vertical stroke of the 'L' standing on a blue ground. Above the columns of text, the word "NUMERI" is written in multicolored, decorative letters. The surrounding text is in Latin and is rendered in a uniform, Gothic script that fills two columns on aged, cream-colored parchment. The design of the illuminated letter and the use of color within the letter contrast with the black ink of the text.
Artist
Französische Grafik 1285–1700
Date
c. 1270
Type
Drawing
Medium
tempera and gold leaf on vellum
Dimensions
48.5 × 35.8 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

This is a painting of an ornate manuscript page with illuminated text and a decorative initial. The page features a beautifully illustrated capital letter 'L' with an illuminated scene depicting five figures in medieval attire set against a gold background. They are arranged within the vertical stroke of the 'L' standing on a blue ground. Above the columns of text, the word "NUMERI" is written in multicolored, decorative letters. The surrounding text is in Latin and is rendered in a uniform, Gothic script that fills two columns on aged, cream-colored parchment. The design of the illuminated letter and the use of color within the letter contrast with the black ink of the text.

Französische Grafik 1285–1700