Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. Red-ruled for 30 lines of Latin text, written in double columns with dark brown and red ink in fine rounded gothic book hand on animal vellum. (150 x 105mm - 6 x 4.2")
Ten two-line illuminated initials alternating in red and blue. The prick marks used for ruling the leaf are still evident along the outside edge (usually trimmed when the leaves are bound).
France (Loire Valley?), c. 1470.
The red illuminated ''P'' begins: ''Praesta quaesumus omnipotens..." (Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that we, who acknowledge the boldness of Thy glorious martyrs in confessing Thy name, may experience likewise their loving intercession for us).
The red illuminated ''M'' continues sermons by St. Augustine - one of the earliest Doctors of the Church. During the Medieval era "Doctor" was bestowed upon four Church Fathers (Saints Gregory, Ambrose, Augustine and Jerome) in recognition of their contribution to theology or doctrine.
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
