Initial M with the Annunciation This initial begins the first response for the first nocturn of Matins for the feast of the Annunciation (March 25), 'Missus est Gabriel Angelus ad Mariam Virginem ...' (The Angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary). This initial, and those on its sister leaves (Lewis E M 68:7b and 9), is by Neri da Rimini, a Riminese illuminator whose activity can be documented from 1300 to 1338. This leaf can be dated more precisely to 1314 based on an inscription on Lewis E M 68:7b, in which the scribe Bonfantino of Bologna signed and dated his work. This image shows the reverse of a leaf with an historiated initial taken from an antiphonary. This side of the leaf, the true recto, contains the antiphon preceding the response for the first nocturn of Matins for the feast of the Annunciation (March 25). Inscription on lower margin of E M 68:7b reads 'm.ccc.xiiij. fater bonfantinus antiquior de bononia hunc librum fecit.' Leaf inscribed with name of scribe and date This leaf contains the beginning of the Magnificat antiphon of First Vespers for the first Sunday in Lent, 'Tunc invocabis et Dominus exaudiet ...' (Then you shall call, and the Lord shall hear). In the lower margin, the scribe Bonfantino of Bologna has signed and dated his work with the inscription 'm.ccc.xiiij. frater bonfantinus antiquior de bononia hunc librum fecit' (In 1314 Brother... This image shows the reverse of a leaf an historiated initial taken from an antiphonary. This side of the leaf, the true verso, continues the Magnificat antiphon of First Vespers for the first Sunday in Lent begun on the front. Initial U with the Annunciation This initial begins the Introit for the feast of the Annunciation (March 25), 'Vultum tuum deprecabuntur omnes divites plebis ...' (All the rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance). This image shows the reverse of a leaf with an historiated initial from an antiphonary. This side of the leaf, the true verso, continues the Introit for the feast of the Annunciation which begins on the front. Initial E with Christ speaking to Isaiah This page begins the first response of the first nocturn of Matins for the first Sunday of Lent, 'Ecce nunc tempus acceptabile ...' (Behold, now is the acceptable time). The 'acceptable time' refers to a prophecy of Isaiah in which the Lord says to the prophet: In an acceptable time I have heard thee, and in the day of salvation I have helped thee: and I have preserved thee, and given thee to... This image shows the reverse of a leaf with an historiated initial taken from an antiphonary. This side of the leaf, the true verso, continues the first response of the first nocturn of Matins for the first Sunday of Lent, which begins on the front. Script: Rotunda
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