Sold Antiques

IM-9518: (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. Five 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. Francis Assisi – patron saint of animals. The text begins with the conclusion of a hymn celebrating the feast. The two-line illuminated “V” begins: “Vir erat in civitate...” (There was a man from the city of Assisi...).

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.