Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 18 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink & red rubrics in fine gothic script on animal vellum.(158 x 112mm – 6 ¼ x 4 3/8’’)
Three illuminated two-line initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork; eight illuminated one-line initials alternating in deep blue with delicate red penwork and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.
Flanders (Use of Sarum), c. 1450 – produced to follow the English rites, for the English market. The Litany of the Saints from this book listed several Saints associated with Britain, including George (patron of Britain), Swithin (Bishop of Westminster), Eusebius (martyred Irish Benedictine), Burinus (Apostle of Wessex), and Julian (early English Martyr).
The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 150 complete: “Laudate…” (Praise ye the Lord in his holy places: praise ye him in the firmament of his power. Praise ye him for his mighty acts; praise ye him according to the multitude of his greatness. Praise him with sound of trumpet: praise him with psaltery and harp…).
The two-line illuminated “O” begins the popular 6th century hymn “O Gloriosa Domina…” (O heaven’s glorious mistress, enthron'd above the starry sky! thou feedest with thy sacred breast thy own Creator, Lord most high. What man had lost in hapless Eve, thy sacred womb to man restores, thou to the wretched here beneath hast open'd Heaven's eternal doors. Hail, O refulgent Hall of light! Hail Gate august of Heaven's high King! through thee redeem'd to endless life, thy praise let all the nations sing…).
Presented in a archival 14 x 11'' mat
