Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red-ruled, Latin text, written with dark brown ink in lettre batarde script on animal vellum. (125x85mm)
One two-line illuminated initial in pink with delicate white tracery on a burnished gold ground, and having a floral interior of blue and green on burnished gold ground; three one-line illuminated initials and one line-extender in burnished gold, on blue & red ground with delicate white tracery. Panel border contains highly decorative floral designs and acanthus leaves in blue, green, red and brushed and burnished gold.
Northern France (Brittany?), c. 1450-60.
This leaf continues the Hours of the Virgin - Hour of Vespers. The two-line illuminated "C" begins the prayer: "Concede nos..." (O Lord God we beseech thee grant us thy servants, to enjoy perpetual health of mind, and body: and by the glorious intercession of the ever blessed virgin Mary, to be delivered from this present sorrow, and to enjoy gladness everlasting. Through our Lord Jesus Christ thy son. Amen).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout, status-conscious society. They are works of art, & cultural documents of their time - revealing a unique combination of sacred & secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them.
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
