Original printed leaf from a Renaissance Pontifical. 39 lines, double columns, in Latin in red and black ink. From Pontificale Secundum Ritus Sacrosancte Romanae Ecclesie. Superb condition. (345 x 240mm – 13 3/4 x 9 5/8'')
Two exceptional (each 2 ¼ x 3 ¼ ’’) woodcut illustrations with old color.
This leaf is from the Service for the Coronation of a King.
Printed in Venice, c. 1503 by the press of Luc Antonio Giunta. The Giuntas are considered among the world’s great early printers.
The red illuminated ''A'' begins: ''Actiones nostras...'' (Direct, we beg Thee, O Lord, our prayers and our actions by Thy holy inspirations and carry them on by Thy gracious assistance, so that every work of ours may always begin with Thee, and through Thee come to completion. Amen).
Pontificals are liturgical books containing the order of service for those sacraments administered exclusively by popes or bishops. Among these sacraments are the dedication of churches and altars, the ordination of clergy, confirmation, blessing of abbots & abbesses and of holy oil, and the consecration of liturgical equipment.
Shipped unmatted
