Original manuscript Missal leaf on animal parchment. Latin text, written in dark brown ink with rubrics in red. (290 x 210mm – 11 1/2 x 8 3/8'').
Thirteen two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork.
For a Franciscan Order, France (Rouen), c. 1450
This leaf contains text celebrating St. Matthew (patron saint of accountants). The two-line illuminated ''S'' begins: ''Supplicationibus...'' (We beseech thee, O Lord, that the oblation of thy Church may be commended to thee by the supplications of blessed Matthew, the Apostle and Evangelist, by whose glorious preaching she is instructed).
The two-line illuminated ''P'' begins: ''Perceptis...'' (Having received thy sacraments, we beseech thee, O Lord, that through the intercession of blessed Matthew, thine Apostle and Evangelist, what we have done to celebrate his glory may avail us as a healing remedy).
The two-line illuminated ''A'' begins text celebrating St. Maurice (patron saint of soldiers) and his companions: ''Annue...'' (O almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, that this solemn festival of Thy holy martyrs Maurice and his companions, may give us joy; that we may glory in the birthday of the saints, in whose prayers we put our trust).
Provenance: ex-collection Otto F. Ege (1888-1951) - Dean of the Cleveland Institute of Art & Lecturer on History of the Book in the School of Library Science, Western Reserve University. Sister leaf to Ege portfolio of 50 leaves, #26 - Gwara HL26 identifies this as c. 1450, while Ege had thought c. 1380..
Shipped in archival 18x14'' mat.
