Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Missal
Italy, Rome, ca. 1483
MS M. 306 fol. 2v

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Initial A:
Scene, Liturgical: Oblation -- Standing at altar within church of classical design, priest raises personification of soul held in both hands above head. Other figures, some tonsured, kneel with joined hands raised around altar.
Scene within initial A, decorated with figures and peacock. Right arm of A is formed by classical column, on which appears nude male figure, possibly Gideon with his fleece. Nude figure surmounts column. To right of column, bearded male figure, nimbed, standing, holds book.
Margins:
Border, decorated with encrusted jewels and inhabited by figures, frames text.
In left border from top to botton: partially nude figure reclining; seated figure holding book; arms of Cardinal Domenico della Rovere next to figure; and figures and horses (partially obscured by water damage).
In bottom border, male figure, holding pitcher or ointment jar, and swooning female figure, hands clasped at breast, stand beside seated male figure, holding open book. He is flanked by two male figures, kneeling. To left, female figure, standing, joins hands and inclines head. Garlands hang above figures. Below, nude figures recline amid potted plants.
In lower right corner, two nude male figures support column on their shoulders.