Cantiga CSM 313 of the Cantigas de Santa Maria of Alfonso X

Biblioteca Nazionale, MS Banco Rari 20, Florence, Italy.
The Dove that Appeared on a Storm-tossed Ship
Virgen De Villasirga Protege A Navegantes En Peligro (Virgin Of Villasirga Protects Sailors In Danger)
Incipit: Ali u todolos santos

A ship was tossed and broken by a storm at sea. During the pitch-black night, the sea continued to rise and some of the people died.
The others called on various saints and vowed to go on pilgrimage if they were saved. They beseeched Peter, James, Nicholas and Matthew, and many others, both male and female.
A priest on board, having heard of the miracles performed by the Virgin of Vilasirga, suggested that they pray to her. He led them in prayer and then sang the Salve Regina.
A snow-white dove flew onto the ship and, at the same moment, a bright light illuminated the vessel. Everyone thanked the Virgin. The sea grew calm and the night cleared.
The next day, the ship reached the port and everyone, without fail, made a donation to the Virgin of Vilasirga.
As an offering, they had a large chalice made, which the priest took to Vilasirga.

Image source: BNCF, Banco Rari 20

MINIATURIST, Spanish
(active 1290s in Castile)

Alfonso the Wise: Cantigas de Santa Maria
1290
Manuscript (Banco Rari 20)
Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Florence

Alfonso X, King of Castile, was one of the most enlightened sovereign of his time. He was a patron of musicians and poets, appreciated literature and science and wrote legal and historic works. His Song Book, which fuses together motifs drawn from Latin and vernacular collections of poetry, contains more than four hundred compositions.

In the manuscript each composition is accompanied by one or even two illuminated pages. These are divided into six sections and framed by borders of geometric motifs interrupted by coats of arms. The miniatures were executed by various artists who show French influence.

Folio 18, formed of six panels, represents a marine landscape. The first four scenes portray a ship in stormy waters, the fifth shows its arrival in port, and in the last is seen the thanksgiving of the travellers to the Virgin.

Source: Web Gallery of Art

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