Although the precise moment in the liturgy that this initial begins remains to be determined, this monk's black robe identifies him as a Benedictine saint who is most likely the order's founder, St. Benedict of Nursia. The book in his left hand would then represent his 'Rule,' the text upon which Western monasticism is founded. Initial I with St. Benedict of Nursia This image shows the reverse of a cutting with an historiated initial from a choir book. This cutting can be dated to ca. 1275. Script: Rotunda
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