A manuscript leaf on vellum, from an early lectionary. [Probably Italy, early 12th century.] Single column, 25 lines of text in a graceful late Caroline minuscule (with majuscule rubrics). Readings from the apocalypse and the gospel of Luke for the eve and feast of all saints. 260 x 210 mm. Rubrics and initials in red, capitals struck with brown or yellow. A couple of small, faint stains, four tiny marginal wormholes, naturally occurring variation in the color and grain of vellum. Saints and martyrs have been venerated since the second century A.D.; there was a general feast honoring all saints established as early as the fourth century; and the present day of observance (1 November) was determined by Pope Gregory III in the eighth century. In English speaking countries, the vigil of the feast has taken on major importance as All Hallows Eve or Halloween. The script of the present very attractive leaf has the angularity of early 12th century Caroline hands that feature the prominent barbed "s" arching well above the median line. Peculiarities here include the very thick bottom stroke of the scribe's "c's" and "e's" and the unusual use of brown to highlight the second order of capitals.
A manuscript leaf on vellum, from an early lectionary. [Probably Italy, early 12th century.] Single column, 25 lines of text in a graceful late Caroline minuscule (with majuscule rubrics). Readings from the apocalypse and the gospel of Luke for the eve and feast of all saints. 260 x 210 mm. Rubrics and initials in red, capitals struck with brown or yellow. A couple of small, faint stains, four tiny marginal wormholes, naturally occurring variation in the color and grain of vellum. Saints and martyrs have been venerated since the second century A.D.; there was a general feast honoring all saints established as early as the fourth century; and the present day of observance (1 November) was determined by Pope Gregory III in the eighth century. In English speaking countries, the vigil of the feast has taken on major importance as All Hallows Eve or Halloween. The script of the present very attractive leaf has the angularity of early 12th century Caroline hands that feature the prominent barbed "s" arching well above the median line. Peculiarities here include the very thick bottom stroke of the scribe's "c's" and "e's" and the unusual use of brown to highlight the second order of capitals.
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