Medieval Breviary Leaf - Exceptional initial - Netherlands

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 24 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with black ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) & versal initials in red. (144 x 104mm).

Three two-line illuminated initials alternating in red and deep blue - with the guide letters visible in each. Netherlands (Delft?), c. 1425-50.

One exceptional four-line illuminated initial in blue with an interior floral design in red, green and violet which extends into the margin.  

The two-line illuminated ''P'' begins:  ''Paulus et Ioannes...'' (Paul and John told Julian that they worship the one God who made heaven and earth...).

The elaborate illuminated ''S'' begins part of John 21:7,  Matthew 14:28, 31, and Acts 12:11: (Christ manifests himself to his disciples by the seaside, walks on the sea, an angel sent to free Peter) ''Simon...'' (Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, girt his coat about him (for he was naked,) and cast himself into the sea. Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters. And Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him and said to him:   O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt? Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews).

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.  

Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.

  • Inventory# IM-10618
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