Breviary Leaf c 1475 - Homily on Nativity by St Maximus

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary.  31 lines written in Latin in double columns with dark brown and red ink. (187 x 135mm – 7 3/8 x 5 ¼’’)  

Four two-line illuminated initials alternating in red and white or blue and white,  with a floral interior - all on a burnished gold ground, and extending into the margin with a delicate rinceaux border in red, blue, green, yellow burnished gold.      France, c. 1475.

The two-line illuminated “D” begins the prayer:  “Deus qui salutis…” (O God, who, by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast bestowed upon mankind the reward of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession, through whom we have been made worthy to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son).

The two-line illuminated “Q” “Quanquam non dubitem vos fractres carissimi…” begins a Homily on the Nativity by Bishop and Saint Maximus of Turin (c. 350-415). He was the first Bishop of Turin. Around 100 of his sermons have survived.

A beautifully executed leaf in excellent fresh condition, containing passages related to the Christmas Season.

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.  Painted and illuminated manuscripts are among the greatest artistic triumphs of the Middle Ages, demonstrating social, intellectual, religious and cultural attitudes of medieval life.

Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-12113
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