Europe, France, end of Medieval to beginning of Renaissance, ca. 13th to 14th century. A lovely double-sided illuminated vellum page from the Franciscan Missal featuring 21 lines of Latin lettre batarde on both sides. While most of the script is in black, the first letters of each new sentence are painted in vibrant hues of gold and cobalt and moved to the left margin. The letters "E" and "A" are embellished with gorgeous geometric patterns of blue and red, as they indicate the beginning of a new prayer. The red writing denotes a psalm and antiphon. The Franciscan Missal is a liturgical book detailing prayers, readings, antiphons, and chants to be used during a Catholic Mass. This version was penned by the Franciscans and used throughout the Franciscan order until it was first printed in Milan in 1477. Originally part of a larger corpus, this page serves as a breathtaking work of art of its own merit with a finely balanced layout, enriching use of color, masterful decoration, and painstakingly delineated calligraphic script. Size: 5.374" W x 3.875" H (13.6 cm x 9.8 cm); Size: 11.125" W (28.3 cm); 14.25" H (36.2 cm) in included custom frame.

Founded in 1209 by Saint Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans are a group of Catholic religious orders that practice an aescetic lifestyle of poverty, emulating the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Provenance: ex -Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#160042

Has not been examined outside of frame. Fitted with a modern matte and frame. Staining on edge where torn from manuscript. Expected light wrinkling and fading commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent