Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 343v

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Half-figure of Empress Helena, nimbed and crowned with wimpled veil, holding cross with both hands, within initial D.
In upper left margin, medallion enclosing bust of prophet (?) wearing hat, next to blank scroll; in lower left margin, Heraclius, crowned, grasping cross with both hands. Medallions linked by green band decorated with flowers, acanthus, and cornucopia.
Text is collect for first Vespers on 09.14, feast of Exaltation of the Cross
Pen-flourished initials.