Original leaf from a medieval Breviary. 21 lines of ruled Latin text, written in gothic liturgical bookhand script on animal vellum. (139 x 99mm – 5 ½ x 3 7/8’’)
Three two-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue with red penwork and red with blue penwork extending along the text and into the margins with a wonderful whimsical creature prancing along the top of the leaf in blue penwork with a ball in its mouth.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1280-1300.
The first two-line illuminated “Q” begins Luke 18:27 followed by a critical commentary of the Gospel of St. Luke by the Venerable Bede (8th century English Saint who had a major influence on English literature): “Que impossibilia…” (The things that are impossible with men, are possible with God…).
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 14 x 11'' mat
