Original leaf from a medieval Breviary. 21 lines of ruled Latin text, written in gothic liturgical bookhand script on animal vellum. (139 x 99mm – 5 ½ x 3 7/8’’)
Three multi-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue with red penwork and red with blue penwork extending along the text and into the margins with a wonderful whimsical creature prancing along the top of the leaf in blue penwork with a ball in its mouth.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1280-1300.
The two-line illuminated “O” begins a commentary by St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo: “Operibus bonis…” (Sow good deeds…).
The multi-line illuminated “I” begins Luke 6:17: “In illo…” (An at that time Jesus descended the mountain with them, and stood in a plain place, and the company of his disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea cost both of Tyre and Sidon). Following this verse is a commentary by the Venerable St. Bede (8th century English Saint who had a major influence on English literature: “Electurus apostolos Dominus…”
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 14 x 11'' mat
