Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Piccolomini breviary
Italy, Lombardy, ca. 1475
MS M.799 fol. 27r

See more information »

Bust of fool, wearing hat, showing teeth, holding whirligig, looking upward within initial D decorated with foliate ornament.
In upper margin, medallion enclosing bust of prophet (?), with scroll with illegible inscription. In lower margin, medallion enclosing bust of Samuel, wearing hat, with scroll inscribed SAMVEL. Medallions linked by red band decorated with vine scroll, and arms and armor including sword, shield, helmet, and halberd.