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IM-9480: (208 x 153mm) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary.  33 lines written in Latin in double columns with dark brown and red ink. One exceptional multi-line illuminated initial extending along much of the margin  in red and blue. Seven one or two-line illuminated initials alternating in dark blue with delicate red penwork and red with delicate blue penwork – all extending into the margins; numerous one-line illuminated initials in red.  France, c. 1300-25.

This leaf celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen – first Christian martyr. The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Dan obis...” (Grant us, we beseech thee, O Lord, to imitate what we venerate, that we may learn to love even our enemies; for we celebrate the Invention of him who knew how to plead even for his persecutors even unto our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son). The elaborate “I” begins the Lesson I about St. Stephen, followed by “Stephanus...” (And Stephen was filled with grace and power, And he did great wonders and miracles among the people. V.  There arose certain of the synagogue, disputing with Stephen; and they were not able to resist the wisdom, and the Spirit which spake).

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.