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’’)
Seven two-line illuminated initials alternating in red with delicate violet penwork and blue with delicate red penwork – all extending in to the margins. The penwork surrounding the illuminated “F” (verso) extends into the margin ending with a face in the lower margin .
Northern Italy (Padua?), c. 1460.
The two-line illuminated “I” (verso) begins John 20:1: “In illo tempore una sabbati Maria…” (And at that time, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene cometh early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher; and she saw the stone taken away from the sepulcher).
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
