Lives of the saints (also referred to as the " Livre noir " ['Black book']) Saint-Ouen, Rouen, 11th century (end). 332 f. 244 x 165 mm. Bibliothèque municipale de Rouen, ms. 1406 ( Y 41)

This manuscript contains many lives of the saints, including a collection of miracles of saint Ouen composed on the orders of Nicolas, abbot of the monastery of Rouen (1042-1092). This copy of the volume dates from the life of the abbot, as confirmed by a form of anathematisation, composed against any thieves. Fine ornamented letters introduce some of the lives of the saints. That of folio 305 v°, which begins with the life of saint Nicolas, contains a representation of the saintly bishop, majestically seated in a almond-shaped halo giving a benediction. The letter itself formed from plant stems, culminating in a dragon's head, is highlighted by lines and a grained pattern in pink ink and bordered by a green braiding pattern. The same pink highlights and green braiding appear in other manuscripts which are probably by the same hand.