Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Illuminated Letter "R"
Artifact IDMO 1970.40
Object Type
Page
Maker
Unknown
Date15th century
Mediummanuscript page: parchment, paper, ink, paint
frame: wood, plaster, paint, glass
frame: wood, plaster, paint, glass
Dimensionsframe H 6 3/8 in x W 5 1/8 in x D 3/4 in (16.2 cm x 13 cm x 1.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn illuminated letter "R" cut from a 15th century manuscript. Done on parchment and adhered to a slightly larger piece of paper, the square-shaped illuminated piece features the letter “R” within a decorative surround of various shapes and patterns in shades of orange, blue, green, brown, cream, and white, all outlined with a gold and black border. In the center of the letter, against a flower and leaf background, is the drawing of a bird with a human face.The illuminated cutting is framed and glazed in a 1/2" gold-painted frame. Attached to the back of the frame is a printed sticker which reads: E. and A. Silberman Galleries / 1014 Madison Ave. / New York 21, N. Y. / ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT / The Initial "R" / 15th Century.
Historical NoteThis illuminated letter hung in the living room of Eleanor Roosevelt's East 74th Street apartment in New York City.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. in 1991.
Credit LineBequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr.
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPrints and Paintings (National Archives Identifier 778817)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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