Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 28 lines of ruled gothic rotunda script, written in Latin with brown ink, on animal vellum. (134 x 104mm – 5 ¼ x 4’’)
Rubrics (headings) & versal initials in red. One three-line and five two-line illuminated Lombard initials in red.
Italy (Use of Rome), c. 1475.
The two-line illuminated ''B'' begins Apocalypse (Revelations) 1:3: “Beatus qui…” (Blessed is he, that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy; and keepeth those things which are written in it; for time is at hand).
The two-line illuminated “F” begins Apocalypse 12:7-8: “Factum…” (And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels: And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven).
The one-line illuminated “P” begins: “Princeps…” (O most glorious Prince, Michael the Archangel, be mindful of us: here and everywhere pray always unto the Son of God for us. 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.
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
