Single Leaf, 15th-Century Incunabulum – Von sant Briccio with hand-colored pic For Sale

Rare Single Leaf from a 15th-Century Incunabulum – Von sant Briccio
Beautifully Preserved Gothic-Type Printing with Hand-Colored Woodcut Illustration

This exquisite single leaf originates from an early printed book (incunabulum), likely dating between 1480 and 1510. The text is in early modern German (Gothic typeface), featuring a hagiographic account of Saint Briccio (Saint Brice), a significant figure in Christian tradition. The page includes a hand-colored woodcut illustration, depicting a saintly scene that vividly captures the spiritual themes of the text.

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Estimated Age and Authenticity:

• Age: Based on the typography, subject matter, and illustration style, this page likely dates from circa 1490-1510, placing it in the incunabula period (1450–1501) or slightly later.
• Authenticity: The hand-colored woodcut, use of Gothic script, and subject matter (a saint\'s life) are consistent with authentic incunabulum leaves. The wear and patina align with the age.
• Provenance: Such pages often originate from dismantled incunabula, which were frequently broken up in the 19th and early 20th centuries for individual sale.

\"Of Saint Briccio\"

The text is a hagiographic account of Saint Brice (Briccius in Latin), a successor to Saint Martin of Tours. It likely recounts his life, deeds, and spiritual journey.

1. Beginning of the Text:
   \"... and he followed the holy life faithfully until his old age. When the abbot passed away, he was chosen as the new abbot. He fulfilled his office with great diligence until his death.\"

2. Prayer to Saint Theodora (upper portion):
   \"Holy Saint Theodora, we ask you through your great holiness and patience, which you demonstrated in your holy and innocent suffering, that you also help us endure with patience in all our adversities and trials. In all our suffering and the struggles of this life, bring us to a good end, and after this life, to eternal life. May God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit help us. Amen.\"

3. Woodcut Caption and Lower Text:
   The woodcut illustration appears to depict Saint Brice interacting with a figure, possibly a woman with children, symbolizing his care for the poor or miraculous deeds.
   The lower text introduces Saint Brice:
   \"Saint Briccius was Saint Martin\'s equal and served for a long time in his court. Saint Martin loved him greatly, and he served him with diligence and loyalty in all things. But despite this love, Saint Brice was slandered and greatly tested.\"

The text blends devotional content, a prayer invoking patience and perseverance, and an account of Saint Brice\'s life. It emphasizes his holiness, dedication, and trials as a leader in the Church. The woodcut adds a visual narrative that likely complements the saint’s acts of charity or faith.