Leaf from a Gradual: Initial (D) with John the Baptist, Late 1450s. Attributed to Francesco d'Antonio del Cherico (Italian, 1433-1484). Ink, tempera, and gold on vellum; sheet: 55.1 x 36.6 cm (21 11/16 x 14 7/16 in.). This leaf comes from a gradual, a choral book containing the mass chants. It features a large decorated letter D introducing the Mass: Deus, in nomine tuo salvum me fac (Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy strength) from Psalm 53. Francesco dAntonio del Cherico began his career as a goldsmith in Florence. He eventually changed his occupation to manuscript illuminator where he achieved much success. He was a pupil of Fra Angelico and became famous for being Lorenzo de Medicis favorite illuminator. He gained a reputation for his well-executed illustrations in varying types of books ranging from small books of hours to large choir books. His illustrations often featured intricate floral arrangements, as seen here.