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.
Northern Italy (Padua?), c. 1460.
The two-line illuminated “I” (recto)begins part of Luke 5:17: “In illo tempore factum est in una dierum…” (And at that time, it came to pass on a certain day, as he sat teaching…).
The two-line illuminated “N” begins part of a sermon by Saint Ambrose.
The two-line illuminated “I” (verso) begins part of Luke 4:38: “In illo tempore surgens…” (And Jesus rising up out of the synagogue…).
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
