Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with black ink in fine bold gothic textura script on animal vellum with rubrics in red.
Two two-line illuminated initials, twelve one-line illuminated initials, and one line-extender alternating in deep blue with red penwork and burnished gold with blue penwork – many extending into the margins.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1425-1450 Size: 6.1 x 4.5 inches, (155 x 114mm)
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 23 (King James 24) complete: “Dominus est…” (The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place? The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Savior…).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 24 (King James 25) 1-4: “Ad te domine…” (To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. In thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed…).
Provenance: Written for the Use of Paris – Rare inclusion of St. Bruno in the Litany indicates possible ownership by a monk of the Carthusian Monastery of Vauvert (Order of St Bruno), Paris (established 1257, dissolved 1792).
Shipped unmatted
