Antiphonal. Leaf on parchment with historiated illuminated initial of Virgin Mary. Italy C15th by [Antiphonal] Illuminated initial - 1480

Antiphonal. Leaf on parchment with historiated illuminated initial. Italy C15th Full single leaf written on parchment in black and red ink, 15 lines on both sides of the leaf in late Romanesque rounded hand. A beautiful illuminated historiated initial blue 'D' on a background of gold leaf within which the Virgin Mary facing with closed eyes and hands together, praying with painted foliage spraying into the left hand margin. The illumination appears to be later, maybe C16th but, if so, has been painted in style and in the space left for the original D illumination. Some old stains. An attractive leaf. 360mm × 260mm The text is Latin Deus in te sperantium fortitude, invocationibus nostris adesto… which translates O God, the strength of all them who put their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers; and because though the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without thee,….