Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 360r

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Decorated initial I.
In upper margin, medallion enclosing half-figure of evangelist Luke, nimbed, holding and looking down toward open book (reading). In foreground, head of evangelist symbol (ox). Medallion surrounded by gold balls and flanked by two birds, one possibly kingfisher, and flowers. Red band descending from medallion
Text is beginning of collect from first Vespers on 10.18, feast of Evangelist Luke.
Pen-flourished initials.