Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. Ruled for 27 lines of Latin text, written in double columns with dark brown & red ink in fine rounded gothic book hand on animal vellum. (150 x 118mm – 5 7/8 x 4 5/8’’)
One elaborate five-line illuminated initial in red with white penwork, outlined internally in gold with further internal floral design - all sitting on a burnished gold ground & extending into the margin with red with intricate penwork & burnished gold bezants.
The unusual lower margin is illuminated with an orange vase in the center, two floral designs on either side in red, blue, greed and gold surrounded by intricate penwork and gold bezants! Nine two-line illuminated initials alternating in red with delicate violet penwork and blue with delicate red penwork – all extending in to the margins.
Northern Italy (Padua?), c. 1460.
The elaborate illuminated “D” (recto) begins the Proper of the Saints for 29 November: “Deus qui nos beati saturnine martyris…” (O God, as you allow us to rejoice in the feast of your blessed martyr Saturninus, grant that we may be helped by his merits)
A Breviary is composed of many books (prayers, hymns, psalms...) painstakingly but carefully written by hand, & used by monks & priests to conduct daily services.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
