This leaf is from the brief transitional period when the new technology of printing with movable type was combined with the more labor intensive methods of hand painting. The earliest printers were trained in the manuscript tradition and incorporated the conventions of historiated initials and illustrations into their early work. At first they left those spaces blank for the illuminator to complete entirely by hand. Later they developed printing methods (using woodcuts or iron engravings) to decorate the leaves.

This buttery vellum leaf features hand-colored images of Saint Stephen being stoned on recto and Saint Lawrence being martyred on the gridiron on verso. The Latin text adjacent to the images are prayers for the saints, and include illuminated initials and line fillers. The text is surrounded by elaborate iron engravings that feature maidens, young men, plants, flowers, and mythical creatures. The prayer for Saint Stephen translates as: "And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people." The prayer for Saint Lawrence translates as: "The Levite Lawrence did a good work, who enlightened the blind through the sign of the cross."

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Condition: B+

Very light toning and soiling.