Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Gradual
Italy, Florence, 1392-1399
MS M.653 no. 2 (II.23)

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Initial B:
Trinity: Three Persons -- Within upper bowl of Initial B, three persons of Trinity, identical, all nimbed, are seated behind draped table with two candles set before it. Above first person is dove of Holy Ghost. Above second person, holding wafer and chalice, is open book inscribed EGO SUM VIA VERITAS ET VITA (John 14:6). Above third person is armillary sphere.
Abraham: entertaining the Angels -- Within lower bowl of initial B, three angels, nimbed, one in center with arms crossed at breast, the other two raising right hand, stand before Abraham, nimbed, kneeling, joined hands raised. To right are stairs leading to entrance of building.
Two heads of crowned saints appear in foliate roundels of stem of initial B decorated with foliate ornament.
Margins:
Border decorated with foliate and floreate ornament frames text.