Original printed leaf from a Renaissance Pontifical. 39 lines, double columns, in Latin in red and black ink. From Pontificale Secundum Ritus Sacrosancte Romanae Ecclesie. Superb condition. (345 x 240mm – 13 3/4 x 9 5/8'')
Printed in Venice, c. 1503 by the press of Luc Antonio Giunta. The Giuntas are considered among the world’s great early printers.
Three exceptional hand-painted illuminated initials each 30 x 30mm. An illuminated “P” is painted in taupe and white with a strawberry (symbol of perfect righteousness) on a liquid gold ground; the second illuminated “P” is painted in purple and liquid gold on a deep blue ground with delicate white penwork; the illuminated “Q” is painted in blue and white on a red ground with an interior floral design in liquid gold.
This leaf contains instructions for the Pope’s staff.
Pontificals are among the rarest of liturgical service books. They contain the order of service for those sacraments administered exclusively by popes or bishops. Among these sacraments are the dedication of churches and altars, the ordination of clergy, confirmation, blessing of abbots & abbesses and of holy oil, and the consecration of liturgical equipment.
Shipped unmatted
