Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 250v

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Apostle, Paul: Conversion -- Within initial D, in foreground, Paul, nimbed, on ground; overturned horse in background. Rays descending to Paul from above.
In upper margin, God, nimbed, emerging from cloud (?), hands extended, rays descending from hands, enclosed in medallion, surrounded by gold balls and floreate ornament.
In lower margin, half-figure of soldier wearing helmet and armor enclosed in medallion surrounded by gold balls and floreate ornament.
Medallions linked by red band decorated with armor, head of seraph, and possibly tambourine.
Text is beginning of collect for first Vespers on 01.25, feast of the Conversion of Apostle Paul.
Pen-flourished initials.