Rare original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours for English use. 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; several initials heightened with red.
Flanders, c. 1450 – produced to follow the English rites (Use of Sarum), 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).
This leaf continues the Suffrages of the Saints. Suffrages attest to the deep personal connection between saints and ordinary medieval people. This leaf is devoted to Saints Peter & Paul, Andrew (patron Saint of Scotland), Lawrence and Stephen (patron Saint of deacons). Line one begins: “Petrum apostolum…” (Peter the Apostle when he was walking on the waves, lest he be submerged, and saved his fellow apostle Paul from the depth of the sea when he was shipwrecked for the third time…).
The two-line illuminated “M” begins a prayer for use in Salisbury (Sarum) and the Cathedral of Westminster: “Maiestatem…” (We appeal to your majesty, Lord, asking that the blessed apostle Andrew, who was a preacher and ruler in your church, may be also for us a constant advocate in heaven).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Da nobis…” (Grant to us, we beseech, O omnipotent God to quench the flames of our vices, thou who didst grant to blessed Lawrence thy martyr the power to overcome the fires of his torments).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
