LUDOLPHUS DE SAXONIA (c.1300-1378). Vita Christi. Strasbourg: [Stampatore della 'Vitas Patrum'],

1483. Copy from the Cistercian abbey of Balerne in the Jura, suppressed during the Revolution, with rich coeval decoration probably made during the direction of Abbot Simon de Faverney (1476-1499) whose coat of arms is shown. Folio, (397 x 280mm). Illuminated initial to prologue, rich decoration to the incipit of the first part including an initial, phytomorphic frame and coat of arms with illuminated motto of an abbot of Balerne Abbey, the incipit page of the second part with initial and scene with Cistercian monks adoring before Mary with Child illuminated in the lower margin; numerous illuminated initials and capilettera, numerous rubrics in red and blue. (Missing papers A9, A10 probably never bound and last fascicle papers v1,v5-v8; restoration with integration and loss of a few letters to lower margin of v2, restoration to lower margin of other fascicle papers; a few sporadic stains and flourishes, slightly trimmed but overall fresh and clean specimen). Binding in 19th-century full bazzana leather, gold title to spine. Provenance: ex libris Beatae Mariae Balernensis; numerous coeval margin notes and manicules in the text (sometimes slightly trimmed) LUDOLPHUS DE SAXONIA (c.1300-1378). Vita Christi. Strasbourg: [Printer of the 'Vitas Patrum'], 1483.