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The Stuart and Mimi Rose Collection /

Medieval Illuminated Missal

Item 10C

Medieval Illuminated Missal

1490
Manuscript
Vellum

Even though printing became popular in Europe, for many decades important books continued to be produced by hand, copied page by page and illustrated with miniature paintings. This richly illustrated manuscript is a Missal—the prayer book containing the prayers, important chants, responses, and instructions for the celebration of the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. Medieval manuscript Missals are now rare, most likely because daily use caused most copies to wear out.


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