Beautifully painted illuminated initial, attributed to the circle of Estêvão Gonçalves Neto (?-1627), the last illuminator of Portugal. The work has been exhibited in both 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 vibrant work depicts a capital S made up of two cornucopias and a large chalice, surrounded by various birds. Right above the chalice is a small grisaille image of Christ on the cross, surrounded by a gilt halo. The initial was likely originally part of a large choir book, as there is some text written on the back.
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, also 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 rubbed in the middle and in a few sports around the edges, somewhat affecting the image, with small brown stains around the edges. The frame shows some signs of wear. Otherwise in very good condition. Museo Grão Vasco, Além de Grão Vasco: do Douro ao Mondego: a pintura entre o Renascimento e a Contrarreforma (2016-17), nr. 43; Museo Nacional de Arte Antiga, Lisbon, Estêvão Gonçalves Neto - The Last Illuminator (2016), nr. 9.