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 and thirteen one-line illuminated initials alternating in burnished gold with blue penwork and blue with red 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 66 (King James 67) complete: “Deus…” (May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us. That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations. Let people confess to thee, O God: let all people give praise to thee…May God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him).
The two-line illuminated “B” begins Daniel 3: 57-70 – The Song of 3 Young Men: “Benedicite omnia…” (Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever. Bless the Lord all ye heavens; bless the Lord all ye angels of the Lord. Bless the Lord all ye waters that are above the heavens; let all powers bless the Lord. Bless the Lord, ye sun and moon; stars of heaven, bless the Lord. Bless the Lord, every shower and dew. All ye winds, bless the Lord. Bless the Lord, ye fire and heat; cold and chill, bless ye the Lord...).
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
