Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 241r

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Bust of Thomas, nimbed, holding rod (?) with right hand and supporting book with left arm, within initial D decorated with foliate ornament.
In upper left margin, bust of man looking to left; in lower left margin, medallion enclosing bust of man looking upward. Medallions linked by column of floreate ornament emerging from vase, and inhabited by birds including heron or stork, and wren (?).
Beginning of collect for first Vespers on 12.21, feast of Apostle Thomas.
Pen-flourished initial.