1603

The Feasts of August. An utterly deligh

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:115.00 USD Estimated At:225.00 - 275.00 USD
The Feasts of August. An utterly deligh
The Feasts of August. An utterly delightful miniature leaf from a calendar for August, c. 1450, England. In Latin, on vellum, 2 -3/8 x 3 -3/4 , with numerous colors of pigment. Large "KL" initials (abbreviation for "Kalends") in genuine gold leaf, on robin's-egg blue background, with pink and delicate white touches. Text penned in mocha, with major feast days in red (the origin of the term "red letter day"), including feast days of Patron Saint of Librarians St. Lawrence, Patron Saint of Florence St. Bartholomew, of Theologians St. Augustine, John The Baptist, and others. With modern explanation of how to interpret notation: Dominical letters (Sundays) and Golden numbers (new and full moons). English manuscript Books of Hours, from which this leaf came, are very uncommon. In 1533, Henry VIII ruled that books relating to practices of the Church of Rome be destroyed. In the ensuing mayhem, large numbers of mediæval manuscripts were lost. The book containing this leaf became illicit, and was held secretly. Interesting late 18th century signature at upper margin. Some handling darkening to rich leathery tone, rippling, else good.