This is an illuminated bifolium of consecutive leaves from a Missal that was produced in Central South East France, probably in Lower Burgundy, possibly Lyon or even Vienne, c. 1425-1450.
The text is from the Proper of Saints of a Missal beginning part way through the Mass for Saints Fabian (Pope and Martyr, 20th. January) and Sebastian (Martyr, 20th. January) followed by the Masses for Saint Agnes (Virgin and Martyr, 21st. January), Saint Vincent (Deacon and Martyr, 22nd. January) and into the Mass for Saint Bernard (Archbishop of Vienne, 23rd. January).
The size of the bifolium is 334mm x 481mm (13 1/10ins. x 18 9/10ins.).
All the two-line initials and larger have black, penwork, extensions in several different designs. There is one initial with highly burnished gold ivy leaves; There is one initial with tiny blue flowers that have highly burnished gold centres; and there are several initials that have fluffy, green and blue leaves, one of which also includes tiny green, red-tipped, flowers. The remainder of these initials have “teardrops” in blue and green. On one initial on page 2, an “O”, part of the tracery represents a “Fleur de Lis”.
ATTRIBUTION AS TO ORIGIN: - The suggestion of an origin in Lower Burgundy, possibly Lyon or even Vienne is based on the inclusion of the Mass for Saint Bernard, Archbishop of Vienne AD 810-842 who was venerated in Southern France. Whilst the decoration of the bifolium is superb, it is provincial in style and difficult to attribute to one of the main centres of manuscript production.
CONDITION: - There are two natural flaws in the vellum (pages 1/2) both of which retain their original stitching. There finger marks from constant turning of the pages in the bottom quarter of the outside margins. At the top of pages 1 and 4 are remnants of an old hinge. These pages are somewhat dusty and a little worn. The illumination and decoration on pages 3 and 4 are in pristine condition.
GENERAL COMMENTS: - Whilst there are minor condition issues, this is an interesting bifolium in that the text is continuous (being from the centre of a gathering) and that it includes a text that enables its origin to be localised at least to a Region of France. The extensions to the illuminated initials are delightful and the burnished gold just glistens. This is illumination at its best.
BERNARD, ARCHBISHOP OF VIENNE
Bernard, Archbishop of Vienne, France was born in 778 and died at Vienne, 23 January, 842. His parents, who lived near Lyons and had large possessions, gave him an excellent education. In obedience to his parents wishes he married and became a military officer under Charlemagne. After seven years as a soldier the death of his father and mother recalled him. Dividing his property into three parts, one for the Church, one for the poor and one for his children, he retired to the wilderness of Ambronay where there was a poor monastery. Bernard bought the monastery, enlarged it, and become one of its inmates. Upon the death of the abbot he was elected (805) to the vacant position. In 810 he was chosen Archbishop of Vienne to succeed Volfère, and upon the command of Pope Leo III and Charlemagne he accepted the honour. He was consecrated by the Archbishop of Lyons, and distinguished himself by his piety and learning. He took part in drawing up the Capitularies of Charlemagne and aided Agobard in a work upon Jewish superstitions.
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