Leaf from a large Missal
Leaf features a hierarchy of illumination, particularly on the recto. The highest level is one illuminated initial, 7 lines tall, in multiple colors with colored acanthus leaf fronts on burnished gold grounds. The colors and the gold have crackled and have partially flaked away. Next are five two-line initials throughout alternating blue and red with contrasting pen-flourishing. The last level are enlarged, single line initials throughout and alternating red and blue. The single-line enlarged initials mostly mark the beginning of verses, but it is inconsistent. Guide letters present in lead (very light) within or partially under the one-line enlarged initials. On the recto, a square-shape at the end of the second column, lighter colored than the surrounding vellum, may indicate that there was a decorated initial on the facing leaf.
Digital reproduction published by Western Michigan University and made available for private study, scholarship or research use under applicable U.S. Law. Access to digital reproductions provided by Special Collections at Zhang Legacy Collections Center, Western Michigan University.