Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 17 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with black ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) & versal initials in red. Two one-line illuminated initials alternating in red and deep blue. (123 x 85mm).
Northern Germany or Netherlands, c. 1425.
The one-line illuminated ''I'' begins prayers for the First Sunday in Advent: ''In illa...'' (In that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk and honey, alleluia. [Note to reader to recite Psalm 92 (King James 93)], Rejoice, O daughter of Sion, and be exceedingly glad, O daughter of Jerusalem, alleluia. Behold, the Lord shall come, and all his saints with him: and in that day there shall be great light, alleluia. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters: seek the Lord while he may be found, alleluia. Behold the great prophet shall come, and he will renew Jerusalem. The voice of one crying in the wilderness. Prepare the way of the Lord. The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, Mary: fear not, you shall bear in your womb the Son of God, alleluia...).
A Breviary is composed of many books (prayers, hymns, psalms...) painstakingly but carefully written by hand, and used by monks and priests to conduct their daily services.
Shipped in an archival 14x11'' mat.
