Early French Breviary c.1300 14th century leaf with decorative border on vellum

French Book of Hours, 14^th century (c.1300).

Leaf from an early breviary from northern France. Text is written single column in a clear and pleasing gothic book hand of 21 lines on vellum. Text is written in black ink, with red rubrics interspersed throughout. The leaf shows 3 large initials in alternating red and blue penwork. The elaborate initials stand out with the filigree that extends well into the margins.

1 large initial on recto, 2 large initials on verso.

 SIZE:

140mm X 120mm

NOTABLE ATTRIBUTES:

3 large initials (one recto, two verso), in red and blue ink. Finely detailed penwork flourish dominating the inner border of both sides, extending the entire length of the text block.

CONDITION:

Very light overall tonight. Vellum is nice and flat. A number of holes in parchment in various places caused by oxidation of the black pigment.