IM-13619: Original leaf from a medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum.
Italy, c. 1460.
Size: 113 x 84 mm – 4 5/8 x 3 ¼ inches.
One two-line illuminated initial in red with intricate violet penwork extending into the margin; five one-line illuminated initials alternating in red and blue.
The one-line illuminated “M” begins Psalm 31 (King James 32) 10-11: “Multa…” (Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 37 (King James 37) 1-5: “Domine ne…” (Rebuke me not, O Lord, in thy indignation; nor chastise me in thy wrath. For thy arrows are fastened in me: and thy hand hath been strong upon me. There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath: there is no peace for my bones, because of my sins. For my iniquities are gone over my head…). Psalm 37 is the third of the Penitential Psalms. Penitential psalms are a group of seven psalms considered appropriate for prayer durring timesof repentance.
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them.
Medieval Italian Books of Hours are scarcer than French or Flemish ones.
Shipped unmatted
