The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles has received a major donation of 38 Italian illuminated manuscript leaves, significantly enriching its medieval and Renaissance collections. The gift was made by T. Robert Burke and Katherine States Burke, who have spent more than two decades building what is considered the most important private collection of Italian manuscript leaves in the United States.
The newly acquired works span from the 12th to the 17th centuries and were primarily taken from Christian choir books. They feature vivid religious imagery focused on the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. Among the artists represented are some of the most prominent names in 14th- and 15th-century Italian painting, including Lorenzo Monaco, Don Silvestro dei Gherarducci, Don Simone Camaldolese, Lippo Vanni, Giovanni di Paolo, and Sano di Pietro.
“Over the past quarter century Robert and Katherine Burke have assembled the most important private collection of Italian illuminated manuscript leaves in the United States,” said Timothy Potts, director of the Getty Museum. “This generous gift will almost double our representation of Italian manuscript leaves, making a transformative enhancement to the status and quality of our medieval and Renaissance collections.”
Masterpieces of Italian Illumination
Italian manuscript illumination flourished in the Middle Ages and early Renaissance, with artists often working across multiple media—creating altarpieces, frescoes, and panel paintings in addition to decorating books. Choir books, in particular, were large in scale and often adorned with lavish initials that combined religious scenes with intricate decoration in gold and rich pigments. Although many such books were later dismantled and sold leaf by leaf, the Burkes’ collection aims to preserve a sense of continuity and artistic significance.
Among the highlights of the gift is Initial V: Christ Blessing by Lorenzo Monaco, one of the leading illuminators in early 15th-century Florence. The figure of Christ appears nestled in stylised foliage within the letter V, with Monaco’s signature use of vibrant colour and gold leaf enhancing the composition. It is the first work by Monaco to enter the Getty’s collection.
Another standout piece features Saint Michael defeating the dragon, attributed to both Giovanni di Paolo and Sano di Pietro. The image shows the archangel in golden armour, sword raised, wings outspread in a flurry of colour. The exuberant style of the initial—featuring golden armour, multicoloured wings, and dark modeling of the skin—matches the distinctive approach of Giovanni di Paolo, the leading painter of 15th-century Siena.
Also included is Initial H: The Nativity by Don Simone Camaldolese, a monumental work over a foot in height. The composition shows Mary and Joseph kneeling before the infant Christ, with angels soaring above. The work, composed with brilliant hues and precious metals, reflects Camaldolese’s painterly approach to manuscript art around the year 1400.
“The exceptional quality of the Burke Collection will radically change the Getty Museum’s ability to tell the story of Italian illumination,” said Elizabeth Morrison, senior curator of manuscripts at the Getty. She noted the long-standing relationship between the Getty and the Burkes, whose objects have often been loaned for exhibitions and scholarly research.
Exhibition and Digital Access Planned
A special exhibition showcasing the entire gift is planned for summer 2027, to be held at the Getty Center. In addition, a digital exhibition will be launched through Google Arts and Culture to make the collection accessible to audiences worldwide. The museum will also digitize each leaf for its online database, making them available to scholars and the public alike.
T. Robert Burke reflected on their decision to donate: “The age, beauty, and historical importance of these works are what prompted us to begin collecting Italian illumination in 1998, with an intent to build a collection of some continuity and importance.” Katherine States Burke added, “Now in their new home at Getty, we look forward to seeing these pieces bring joy and knowledge to visitors at the Getty Center and worldwide, just as they did for us.”
Top Image: nitial V: Christ Blessing, cutting from a gradual, 1423 – 1424 Lorenzo Monaco (Italian, about 1370 – 1423). Tempera colors and gold, 15.3 × 13.8cm (6 × 5 7/16 in.) Getty Museum, L.2025.26. Gift of T. Robert and Katherine States Burke
The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles has received a major donation of 38 Italian illuminated manuscript leaves, significantly enriching its medieval and Renaissance collections. The gift was made by T. Robert Burke and Katherine States Burke, who have spent more than two decades building what is considered the most important private collection of Italian manuscript leaves in the United States.
The newly acquired works span from the 12th to the 17th centuries and were primarily taken from Christian choir books. They feature vivid religious imagery focused on the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. Among the artists represented are some of the most prominent names in 14th- and 15th-century Italian painting, including Lorenzo Monaco, Don Silvestro dei Gherarducci, Don Simone Camaldolese, Lippo Vanni, Giovanni di Paolo, and Sano di Pietro.
“Over the past quarter century Robert and Katherine Burke have assembled the most important private collection of Italian illuminated manuscript leaves in the United States,” said Timothy Potts, director of the Getty Museum. “This generous gift will almost double our representation of Italian manuscript leaves, making a transformative enhancement to the status and quality of our medieval and Renaissance collections.”
Masterpieces of Italian Illumination
Italian manuscript illumination flourished in the Middle Ages and early Renaissance, with artists often working across multiple media—creating altarpieces, frescoes, and panel paintings in addition to decorating books. Choir books, in particular, were large in scale and often adorned with lavish initials that combined religious scenes with intricate decoration in gold and rich pigments. Although many such books were later dismantled and sold leaf by leaf, the Burkes’ collection aims to preserve a sense of continuity and artistic significance.
Among the highlights of the gift is Initial V: Christ Blessing by Lorenzo Monaco, one of the leading illuminators in early 15th-century Florence. The figure of Christ appears nestled in stylised foliage within the letter V, with Monaco’s signature use of vibrant colour and gold leaf enhancing the composition. It is the first work by Monaco to enter the Getty’s collection.
Another standout piece features Saint Michael defeating the dragon, attributed to both Giovanni di Paolo and Sano di Pietro. The image shows the archangel in golden armour, sword raised, wings outspread in a flurry of colour. The exuberant style of the initial—featuring golden armour, multicoloured wings, and dark modeling of the skin—matches the distinctive approach of Giovanni di Paolo, the leading painter of 15th-century Siena.
Also included is Initial H: The Nativity by Don Simone Camaldolese, a monumental work over a foot in height. The composition shows Mary and Joseph kneeling before the infant Christ, with angels soaring above. The work, composed with brilliant hues and precious metals, reflects Camaldolese’s painterly approach to manuscript art around the year 1400.
“The exceptional quality of the Burke Collection will radically change the Getty Museum’s ability to tell the story of Italian illumination,” said Elizabeth Morrison, senior curator of manuscripts at the Getty. She noted the long-standing relationship between the Getty and the Burkes, whose objects have often been loaned for exhibitions and scholarly research.
Exhibition and Digital Access Planned
A special exhibition showcasing the entire gift is planned for summer 2027, to be held at the Getty Center. In addition, a digital exhibition will be launched through Google Arts and Culture to make the collection accessible to audiences worldwide. The museum will also digitize each leaf for its online database, making them available to scholars and the public alike.
T. Robert Burke reflected on their decision to donate: “The age, beauty, and historical importance of these works are what prompted us to begin collecting Italian illumination in 1998, with an intent to build a collection of some continuity and importance.” Katherine States Burke added, “Now in their new home at Getty, we look forward to seeing these pieces bring joy and knowledge to visitors at the Getty Center and worldwide, just as they did for us.”
Top Image: nitial V: Christ Blessing, cutting from a gradual, 1423 – 1424 Lorenzo Monaco (Italian, about 1370 – 1423). Tempera colors and gold, 15.3 × 13.8cm (6 × 5 7/16 in.) Getty Museum, L.2025.26. Gift of T. Robert and Katherine States Burke
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