Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 194r

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Scene, Liturgical: Celebration of Mass -- Within initial D, back-turned priest, tonsured, wearing chasuble, raises wafer (host) with both hands before draped altar on which is candelabrum (?). On retable behind altar is relief of crucifix possibly flanked by Virgin Mary and Evangelist John. (Christ: Crucifixion) Acolyte, tonsured, extending left hand, holding candle with right hand is behind the priest.
In upper margin, enclosed in medallion, wafer (host) suspended above chalice before drapery; in lower margin, within barbed quatrefoil, acolyte, tonsured, carrying candle, moving to left and priest, tonsured, holding monstrance with both hands in foreground. Both are surrounded by flowers and gold balls, and linked by red band decorated with foliate ornament emerging from vase.
Text is collect for first Vespers on feast of Corpus Christi.
Pen-flourished initial F.