Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Breviary
France, ca. 1511
MS M. 8 fol. 171v

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Alexander the Great, wearing plummed hat and armor, holding scepter (?) with right hand, is astride bridled horse, holding reins with left hand. Another horseman, wearing armor, holding lance with right hand, is next to him. Background is dark with rows of soldiers wearing armor holding spears. Margins decorated with border of floreate ornament including campanula, daisy, rose, grape and strawberry, and inhabited by two wild men, one holding lantern with right hand, carrying cask on back with strap over right shoulder, and the other, winged, holding trumpet with both hands. Text is first lesson in first nocturn for Matins on 1st Sunday in October.