BIRAGO (Giovan Pietro)

Large historiated initial "I" (70 x 70mm.) of two unidentified martyr saints. N. E. Italy, c. 1470-

      The initial divided into two compartments each of which is composed of a half-length figure of martyr holding a book and a palm; the initial painted in green, mauve and orange on a burnished gold ground, border of blue and acanthus, green leaves and gold bezants. Size of cutting: 360 x 101mm. With square musical notation 1475. Another cutting illuminated by Birago, from the same manuscript as the previous item. From the collection of Dr. F. G. Zeileis. A little wear to burnished gold but generally good condition.