Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. Red-ruled for 30 lines of Latin text, written in double columns with dark brown and red ink in fine rounded gothic book hand on animal vellum. (150 x 105mm - 6 x 4.2")
Two two-line illuminated initials alternating in red and blue. The prick marks used for ruling the leaf are still evident along the outside edge (usually trimmed when the leaves are bound).
France (Loire Valley?), c. 1470.
The red illuminated “P” begins: Perpetua nos, quaesumus domine, pace custody..." (Keep us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in everlasting peace, whom Thou didst deign to redeem by the wood of the Holy Cross).
The blue illuminated ''P'' begins part of Zechariah 8:19: “Pacem et veritatem diligite, ait Dominus omnipotens” (Love truth and peace, saith the Lord God Almighty).
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 14x11'' mat
