Harley MS 2898

Contents:

ff. 2r-43r: Evangeliary, featuring texts for the feasts of St Odile [Odilia], patron saint of Alsace, on f. 16v; St Norbert of Xanten (founder of the Premonstratensian Order and Archbishop of Magdeburg) on f. 24v; St Afra, patron of Augusburg, on f. 31r; and a reference to St Ulrich of Augsburg on f. 28r. The manuscript ends with the inscription 'FINIS 1587'.

Decoration:

7 historiated initials with a chalice at the beginning of a passage from John's Gospel (f. 19r), with a column, the Agnus Dei, and inscribed scrolls on either side (f. 26r), with a sword and a key, attributes of Paul and Peter (f. 26v), with a pall-covered bier with lit tapers and an hourglass at the beginning of a reading to be made for the anniversary of a death (f. 38r), with a bishop's mitre at the beginning of a reading for Martin of Tours (f. 38v), with a sword and wheel for Catherine (f. 39v), with a church for the dedication of a church (f. 40v). Numerous large calligraphic initials in a combination of red, blue and/or black with penwork decoration (including a fish on f. 28v). 3 large initials in blue and yellow (f. 18r) with red and black penwork decoration (f. 4), or with flowers in vases (f. 9v). 3 large initials in red and black ink, or in red or blue only with flowers in colours on either side (ff. 6v, 11v, 33v). Large initial in yellow and green with flowers (f. 9r). Large initial in red, yellow and blue/grey (f. 14v). Large initial made of a vine with interlaced ribbons (f. 21v). 3 large initials in green with red foliate decoration or in yellow with green foliate decoration (ff. 31v, 32r, 37r). Large initial in green with hearts and tassels (f. 34r). Other large initials combining the same decorative elements in various ways (ff. 29v, 34v, 36r). Smaller initials in red and/or black with calligraphic decoration. Numerous capitals and letters within the text decorated with pen-flourishing in the same colour. Spaces for miniatures left blank.