LARGE SHEET of a Martyrology handwritten and illuminated on parchment. Text written on two 34-line columns, in Latin in brown and red ink, with red and blue filigree letter P and letter M decorated with a bird and a sort of basilica with a woman's...

LARGE SHEET of a Martyrology handwritten and illuminated on parchment. Text written on two 34-line columns, in Latin in brown and red ink, with red and blue filigree letter P and letter M decorated with a bird and a sort of basilica with a woman's head intertwined on a gold background; a crane, perched on the frame of the letter, with its neck outstretched, holds a sphere at the end of its beak; vegetable antenna extending into the lower margin.
What precedes the historiated letter relates to the torments inflicted in vain on a Christian under Vespasian (69-79). The second part of the page is devoted to the story of Mary Magdalene, sister of Martha and Mary. It is introduced by Si quis vult venire post me borrowed from Matthew, 16, 24 (if anyone wants to follow me [let him renounce himself and take up his cross]).
Circular collector's stamp in the upper left corner with the inscription J.B. COLBERT DE BEAULIEU surrounding the coat of arms of the Colbert family in gold, with a snake waving in pale Azure topped by a count's crown.
Paris, circa 1300
Leaflet, Height: 49 cm - Width: 36 cm
In a coaster (some wears and crumpling)
Provenance: old collection Jean-Baptiste Colbert de Beaulieu (1905- 1995), scholar and numismatist, specialist of Gallic coins, Paris.
Inscription on the back indicating that this leaf was bought from a bookseller in Paris in 1937. Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.