IM-13599: Original printed leaf from a Renaissance Pontifical. Text is printed in 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
The large center master woodcut by an unidentified Italian master depicts the Crucifixion: A plaque at the top of the cross, behind Christ’s halo, is inscribed “INRI” topped with a pelican feeding her young (symbol of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross). The Virgin Mary, with hands clasped, stands at the front of the Cross looking away. Lilies (symbol of purity & representing the Virgin Mary) are next to her; John the Evangelist stands on the other side of the Cross. Adam’s skull is at the foot of the Cross along with a large bone – representing Christ’s death for all mankind’s sins – thought to be on the site of Adam’s burial. The blood which is flowing from Christ’s body is collected by angels holding chalices. Landscape & town seen in the background. Surrounding the Crucifixion are numerous woodcuts representing important events in Christ’s time on earth including the Last Supper and raising of Lazarus.
The text (recto) is the frontis & provides a listing of the feasts by month & noting corresponding page.
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. Superb condition, with a few tiny wormholes, and close inner margin.
Shipped unmatted
