IM-13598: 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.
Printed in Venice, c. 1503 by the press of Luc Antonio Giunta. The Giuntas are considered among the world’s great early printers.
Size: 345 x 240mm – 13 3/4 x 9 5/8 inches.
Hand painted Illuminated initial “P” (2 ½ x 2 ¼’’) depicts God Creating the Heavens and the Earth in gold, blue, white, green and brown. The large woodcut above the illuminated initial depicts the Sacrament of Confirmation. Surrounding the text are woodcut illustrations (top)the apostles with Peter in the center, (sides) pontifical and ecclesiastical vestments and devices, and (bottom) two angels holding a shield (illuminated in black, gold and silver).
The red text at the miniature begins: “Pontifer pueros…” (The Pontiff about to confirm infants, children, or other baptized persons…).
The red illuminated ''S'' (verso) begins ''Spiritus...'' (May the Holy Spirit come down upon you, and the power of the Most HIgh keep you from all sin. Our help is in the Name of the Lord. Who made Heaven and earth…)
The red illuminated “O” begins “Omnipotens…” (Almighty, everlasting God, You have been pleased to regenerate these Your servants by water and the Holy Spirit, and have given them remission of all their sins; send forth upon them from Heaven Your sevenfold Holy Spirit, the Paraclete…).
Pontificals are among the rarest of liturgical service books. They contain 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.
A very fine strongly-printed post-incunabula example of a rare work by a premier early Italian printer. The hand painted illuminated initial is beautifully rendered. Excellent condition, with a few tiny wormholes, and close inner margin.
Shipped unmatted
