Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 30 lines of precise Latin miniscule Gothic textura script (eleven lines to the inch!!!) in double columns with dark brown and red ink.(112 x 85mm) .
Nine two-line illuminated initials alternating in red and blue
Southern France, c. 1390.
This manuscript was written for the use of the Augustine Hermits. The calendar mentioned two feasts that refer to the southern French bishoprics of Orange & Carpentras (Eutropius, May 27, who was Bishop of Orange until his death in 475; and Siffrein November 27, who was the Patron Saint of Carpentras).
The first illuminated ''E'' begins The Apocalypse (King James Revelation 1: 7-19: ''Ecce venit...'' (Behold, he cometh with the clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also that pierce him...I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty...I saw seven golden candlesticks: And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like to the Son of man, clothed with garment down to the feet...He laid his right hand upo9n me, saying: Fear not. I am the First and the Last, And alive, and was dead, and behold I am living forever and ever, and have the keys of death and of hell...).
The blue illuminated ''I'' begins part of John 10:14 & 15: ''In ille...'' (And at that time Jesus said to his disciples: I am the good shepherd. And as the good shepherd I lay down my life for my sheep).
Shipped in an archival 14x11'' mat.
