Beschreibung:

Two gigantic leaves, one with an extremely large initial containing the Nativity of Christ, from an illuminated manuscript Antiphonal on vellum two leaves, each c.720mm. by 500mm. (915mm. by 680mm. framed), (1) extremely large initial 'R' (opening 'Rex pacificus magnificatus est ...', for Vespers on Christmas day) in soft marble-like beige with foliate designs picked out in light brown, 189mm. by 188mm., enclosing the Virgin and Joseph kneeling in adoration of the Christ child, who lies between them on a fold of the Virgin's cloak, all within a stable with a ramshackle thatched roof set on a series of neo-classical pillars with mouldings and armorial shields bearing the five wounds of Christ above each pillar, Bethlehem as a medieval walled town in background, all on gold ground, with full decorated border of foliage, highly stylised acanthus leaves, woody sprigs, poppies and other flowers, fruit, two butterflies and an owl-like bird, with two angels supporting a banner with the five wounds of Christ in the bas-de-page, entire border on striking deep blue ground and framed in liquid gold, with 6 lines in a large rounded Gothic hand with music on a five-line red stave, one calligraphic initial on recto and 2 on verso; (2) as above with full decorated border of foliage with similar angels supporting a banner with the five wounds of Christ in the bas-de-page, 2 large calligraphic initials on recto and 1 on verso; both with some cockling and flaking (including some minor damage to face of Virgin), and edges trimmed for framing, but still impressively large leaves in good condition, in large gilt frames