Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 235r

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Within initial M, half-figure of Apostle Andrew, nimbed, supporting cross with left arm, looks down at open book held with left hand (reading).
In upper margin, confronted busts of two monks, nimbed and tonsured, flanked by pearls and by medallions enclosing gem stones.
In left margin, medallion enclosing bust of man next to scroll with pseudo-inscription, supported by raised arms of back-turned putto; putto supporting with raised arms ornament of pearls and gemstone in foliate setting; medallion enclosing head of man wearing turban-like hat; seated putto holding goose on lap, left hand grasping neck of the goose; back-turned putto seated on pearl possibly supporting with raised arms, ornament of pearls and gemstone in foliate setting; at bottom, bust of saint, nimbed, holding book with right arm.
In right margin, medallions enclosing bust of king, possibly Solomon, crowned, holding with right hand, scroll inscribed SALA; profile bust of man; busts of two saints, nimbed, one holding scepter (?) with both hands. Busts of two angels holding medallions decorated with gem stones and pearls.
Christ: calling Peter and Andrew -- In lower margin, Christ, nimbed, standing on bank, gestures with raised right hand toward boat in which are Apostles Peter and Andrew, both nimbed, one pouring water from the boat, the other standing, pushing with pole held with both hands. Third man, possibly nimbed, is seated at back of the boat.
Beginning of chapter in first Vespers, for 11.29, vigil of feast of Apostle Andrew.