Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 314r

See more information »

Lawrence of Rome: Scene, Martyrdom -- Two executioners stand behind Lawrence, nimbed, raising right arm, wearing loincloth, semi-reclining amid flames above bed of coals, within initial D decorated with foliate ornament.
In upper left margin, half-figures of possibly Emperor Decius or Valerian, crowned, and man, enclosed in medallion; in lower left margin, half-figure of Lawrence, nimbed, holding palm of martyrdom with right hand and book with left. Both medallions decorated with gold balls and floreate ornament; medallions linked by red band decorated with flowers, acanthus, and armor including shield, scimitar, and helmet, and with wind instrument, possibly recorder.
Text is collect for first Vespers on 08.10, feast of Lawrence of Rome.
Pen-flourished initials.