Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 31 lines written in Latin in double columns with dark brown and red ink on animal vellum. (187 x 135mm – 7 3/8 x 5 ¼’’) . Excellent Condition - 540 years old, very clean and bright with unusual and attractive illuminated initials. Even the pricking to guide ruleing is still evident !
Five 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.
This leaf contains sermons concerning the Christmas Season. The text continues a Homily on the Nativity of Jesus by Origen of Alexandria or Origen Aramantius (c. 184-253) Origen was an early Church Father and one of the most important theologians of all time.
The two-line illuminated “Q” (verso) begins “Iustissime fratres festivitate…” 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 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. The painted and illuminated manuscript is 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
