Prayer Tablets (1 results)

Two prayer tablets (260 x 180 mm), paper mounted on softwood boards. Each with frame strips, decorated three-lines-tall initial and ornamental tailpiece in brown ink. One with the beginning of the Gospel of St John, the other with the Preparation of the Gifts during the Offertory, both in Latin. Written in a combination of roman and italic script. Two interesting and decorative Latin manuscripts, written on paper and pasted onto wooden tablets. Both are shaped as rectangles but rounded at the top, and contain each a liturgical text likely read during Roman Mass: the beginning of the Gospel of St John (1:1-14), and the prayer known as Preparation of the Gifts. This is the text that the priest would read during the Offertory (in Latin, offertorium), the moment of Mass when the Eucharistic elements are brought to the altar. - The tablets are written in an attractive mixture of roman majuscules and minuscules, and italics of various sizes, by a very regular and professional hand. The decorated initials are enclosed within a square, which seems to further imitate printed type. The decorations at the lower edge of the tablets are detailed and symmetrical designs, which incorporate architectural and vegetal motifs. - A bit of damage to edges, slightly worn and lightly stained in some spots.