Medieval Breviary Leaf - Hymns for St Gregory

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary.  30 lines  of precise Latin miniscule Gothic textura script (eleven lines to the inch!!!) in double columns with dark brown and red ink.(112 x 85mm) .

Five two-line illuminated initials and numerous one-line illuminated initials alternating in red and blue.            

Southern France, c. 1390.

This manuscript was written for the use of the Augustine Hermits.  The calendar mentioned two feasts that refer to the southern French bishoprics of Orange & Carpentras (Eutropius, May 27, who was Bishop of Orange until his death in 475; and Siffrein November 27, who was the Patron Saint of Carpentras).

The illuminated ''A'' begins a hymn by St. Gregory: ''Audi benigne conditor...'' (O Merciful Creator, hear! To us in pity bow Thine ear: accept the tearful prayer we raise in this our fast of forty days...We pray Thee, Holy Trinity, one God, unchanging Unity, that we from this our abstinence may reap the fruits of penitence. Amen)

The illuminated ''E'' begins another hymn by St. Gregory:  ''Ex more docti mystico...'' (The fast, as taught by holy lore, we keep in solemn course once more: the fast to all men known, and bound in forty days of yearly round...Forgive the sin that we have wrought; increase the good that we have sought: that we at length, our wanderings o'er, may please Thee here and evermore. Blest Three in One, and One in Three).

The illuminated ''I'' begins the hymn:  ''Iam Christe, sol iustitiae...'' (Now Christ, Thou Sun of righteousness, let dawn our darkened spirits bless: the light of grace to us restore while day to earth returns once more...). 

Shipped in an archival 14x11'' mat.

  • Inventory# IM-10967
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