Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 307v

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John the Patrician: Scene, Vision of site of S. Maria Maggiore -- Virgin Mary, nimbed and veiled, arms extended emerges from cloud; snow falls below her. On ground, acolyte holding cross-staff with both hands stands before bishop wearing miter with infulae and cope, digging with mattock (?). Other figures stand behind the bishop. All are within initial D decorated with foliate ornament.
In upper left margin, medallion enclosing half-figure of prophet holding scroll with pseudo-inscription; in lower left margin, bust of Daniel, nimbed, right hand on breast, next to scroll inscribed DANIEL. Both surrounded by gold balls, and floreate ornament. Medallions linked by red band decorated with acanthus, head of king, shields and arrows, and bow.
Text is collect for first Vespers on 08.05, feast of Virgin Mary of the Snows.
Pen-flourished initials.