THE RENEWED ART OF THE TOLEDAN MINIATURE AT THE EARLY 16TH CENTURY: FRANCISCO DE COMONTES AND THE TAVERA'S GOSPEL BOOK

The Castilian miniature underwent an important transformation process from the beginning of the 16(th) century. A set of aesthetic elements announced the permeability of new decorative models all'antica, particularly in those codices created for the elites of the kingdom and the main episcopal sees. The Cathedral of Toledo had in those years a cultural and economic role that allowed it to star in the renovation processes, to which foreign and local painters contributed, among which we highlight Francisco de Comontes for his unknown contribution to the Toledo miniature at the beginning of the 16(th) century. In the same way, the patronage work of the Toledo archbishops consolidated during those years the constant adaptation of the capitular heritage to the European artistic context, in particular to the models coming from the Italian territories. Following the new decorative programs was produced the Toledo Gospel Book, commissioned under the episcopate of Cardinal Juan Pardo Tavera (1534-1545) and preserved in the Toledo Chapter Archive (ms. 56.11). The codice shows the loss of the patterns of flamenco art that had starred in the Castilian miniature.