Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 255v

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Within initial D, bust of Agatha of Catania, nimbed.
In upper margin, medallion enclosing half-figure of God, nimbed, raising right hand in blessing, holding book under left arm; in lower margin, medallion enclosing Agatha, nimbed, nude, arms behind her, bleeding at breasts. Two birds flanking lower medallion, both surrounded by gold balls and floreate ornament. Band of flowers linking upper and lower medallions.
Text is beginning of collect for first Vespers on 02.05, feast of Agatha of Catania.
Pen-flourished initials