Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 327v

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Half-figure of Augustine of Hippo, nimbed, as bishop wearing miter and cope, before lectern on which is book, within initial D decorated with foliate ornament.
In upper left margin, medallion enclosing bust of Christ, crossed (?) nimbus; in lower left margin, medallion enclosing bust of Augustinian abbot, nimbed and tonsured, hood of habit visible above cope, holding crozier. Both medallions surrounded by gold balls. Medallions linked by blue band decorated with flowers emerging from cornucopia; pearls; gem stone; cameo of profile head of man wearing olive wreath; leafy garlands; strings of beads; and basin held in raised hands of back-turned putto.
Floreate ornament in lower margin inhabited by two birds.
Text is collect for first Vespers on 08.28, feast of Augustine of Hippo.
Pen-flourished initials.