Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Psalter/Hours. 10 lines, written in Latin on animal vellum in small gothic book-hand script. (130 x 90mm – 5 1/8 x 3 ½’’)
Two historiated initials: One three-line initial (recto) in blue and pink with an interior painting of Christ before Pilate setting on a gold ground with the initial extending in to the margin in vines and flowers in pink, blue, green and burnished gold; one three-line with an interior painting of the Flagellation setting on a gold ground with the initial extending into the margin in vines and flowers in pink, blue, green and burnished gold. Three two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground; Twenty-two one-line illuminated initials in alternating in deep blue with red penwork and burnished gold with violet penwork.
Northern France or Flanders, c. 1280.
The three-line historiated initial “D” begins the Hour of Prime: “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God…). The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 14 (King James 15) complete: “Domine…” (Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? Or who shall rest in thy holy hill? He that walketh without blemish, and worketh justice: He that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath not used ceceit in his tongue…).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins “Adsit nobis…” (We beseech Thee, O Lord, send down upon us the power of the Holy Spirit; may He mercifully purify our hearts and protect us from all adversity).
The two-line historiated “D” begins the Hour of Terce: “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God…).
An unusual 13th century leaf with two attractive historiated initials. The initials are in good condition though the leaf has devotional wear and loss to text on both sides and two small slits in the blank inner border.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
