Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 285v

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Busts of Apostles Peter and Paul, nimbed, one holding knife or sword with right hand, within initial D, decorated with foliate ornament.
In upper left margin, medallion enclosing hawk perching on leafy branch; in lower left margin, medallion enclosing owl. Medallions surrounded by gold balls next to ornament of flowers and linked by band decorated with arms and armor including halberd and helmet, and fife with drum.
Text is beginning of collect for first Vespers on 06.29, feast of Apostles Peter and Paul.
Pen-flourished initials.