A very large & finely illuminated manuscript leaf with comic ‘marginalia’.
Recto: 32 lines of text in Latin written in two columns in an extremely refined gothic bookhand (textualis) in red and black on high quality vellum. Rubrics in red and versal initials touched in yellow. Three two-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and red with contrasting highly decorative penwork in the margins, ending with two comic sketches - a human face and a rabbit on acanthus leaves.
Verso: As Recto, with text only.
Origin: Bologna, Italy.
Date: Latter part of the 15th century, c. 1475
Content: The second illuminated initial ‘I’ - in red - begins a reading from the Book of Numbers, Chapter 20, concerning Moses and Aaron bringing forth water from the rocks for the children of Israel so that “all the multitude and their cattle shall drink.”
Condition: This leaf is in very good condition, with fine calligraphy and illumination. There are one or two very minor brown spots and a professionally repaired 35 mm. tear in the top left margin of Recto (not visible within the window of the mount). Otherwise the leaf is in top condition, beautifully scribed and illuminated, The leaf is unconditionally guaranteed genuine.
Size: Size of leaf: approx. 360x255 mm. Text and illuminated area : approx. 290x180 mm. Presented in a museum quality mat, ready to frame. Please note that packing/post will be invoiced separately - within Australia: $25.00. Overseas, ask for quote.
Notes: A Missal in the Roman Catholic Church is the book containing the prayers said by the priest at the altar as well as all that is officially read or sung in celebrating the Mass over the course of the ecclesiastical year.
Item No: MMI004
