The yellow parchment had been torn in places.

Indeed, it was a shapeless ruin which the curious nobleman examined, however, with the greatest care, while Ribalta made up his mind to speak.
"A widow of Montalcino, in Tuscany, sold it to me.

She asked me an enormous price, and it is worth it, although it is slightly damaged.

For those are miniatures by Matteo da Siena, who made them for Pope Pius II Piccolomini.

Look at the one which represents Saint Blaise, who is blessing the lions and panthers.