Skeleton holding a Scythe, large historiated initial on a leaf from a Gradual, in Latin [Italy (perhaps Florence), c.1470-80]

single leaf, 595x415mm, vellum, with a historiated initial 'R', 130x130mm (opening the Mass of the Dead), 6 lines of text and music, rastrum 40mm, flourished initial on recto, illumination slightly rubbed, vellum with slight dirt around the edges

The depiction of Death in medieval manuscripts is mostly encountered in Books of Hours, illustrating the Office of the Dead. The 'Three Living and Three Dead' and various types of 'Death Personified' were popular choices to open the series of prayers to be said in anticipation of death or in remembrance of the dead. The Mass of the Dead in Choirbooks usually opens with an image that relates to the celebration of the Mass. The depiction of a Skeleton holding a Scythe is highly unusual and especially impressive because of its large size.