Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (205 x 150mm – 8 x 6’’)
One three-line illuminated initial in red and white - with an interior painting of The Flight into Egypt on gold ground; three two-line illuminated initials, three one-line illuminated initials and four illuminated line extenders in gold on a blue and red ground; elaborate rinceaux border (verso) in red, pink, green, gold, blue, liquid & burnished gold. Northern France or French
Flanders, c. 1450-75.
The historiated initial (verso) depicts the Flight into Egypt: The Virgin Mary is shown wearing a blue robes while sitting upon a donkey and holding the Christ Child on their journey down a road. They are being led by Joseph shown wearing red robes.
The three-line historiated initial begins: “Deus in…” (Incline unto my aid O God…). The two-line illuminated “V” begins the hymn Veni , Creator Spiritus “Veni…” (Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made).
The one-line illuminated “M” begins: “Memento…” (Remember, O Creator Lord, that in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh didst our mortality assume. Mother of grace, O Mary blest, to thee, sweet fount of love, we fly; shield us through life, and take us hence to thy dear bosom when we die).
Lovely leaf, larger than usual and in a fine state of preservation.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
