Original leaf from a miniature medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines of ruled text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum.(70 x 54mm – 2 ¾ x 2 1/8’’)
One two-line illuminated initial and eight one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork. Bars of burnished gold and red extend along the text (recto) sprouting a floral spray top and bottom in blue, green, red, burnished and brushed gold.
Italy, c. 1460
The one-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 8: 10: “Domine…” (O Lord our Lord, how admirable is thy name in all the earth).
The two-line illuminated “C” begins Psalm 18 (King James 19) 1-7: “Celi…” (The heavens show forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands. Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night showeth knowledge. There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world. He hath set his tabernacle in the sun…).
An attractive diminutive leaf with significant content - From an Italian prayerbook for a lady! Italian illuminated Books of hours are significantly scarcer than ones from France.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
