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Set of Drawings from a Liber officialis
Einsiedeln, Switzerland, first half of 12th century
1/4 x 7 3/16 in. (26 x 18.3 cm)
Stiftsbibliothek, Einsiedeln, Cod. 112
The fascinating set of drawings—showing figural studies, meander patterns, and foliate designs—is bound with an unrelated liturgical text. The sketches, which appear to be by an artist who may have trained or traveled in Italy or Norman Sicily, somehow made their way to Alpine monastery of Einsiedeln in the twelfth century. The image of the Virgin and Child from a contemporary Einsiedeln manuscript suggests the sketches may have had an immediate impact on local artists.