Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red ruled text written in Latin on animal vellum in brown ink. (184 x 125mm – 7 ¼ x 4 7/8’’)
Two two-line illuminated initial, six one-line illuminated initials and six line extenders in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork. The panel borders contain a highly decorative floral design with flowers, berries, and acanthus leaves in blue, red, green, pink, and burnished gold.
France (Anjou), Use of Angers, c. 1450-75.
The one-line illuminated “R” concludes Psalm 62 (King James 63): “Rex…” (But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 66 (KJ 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. Let the nations be glad and rejoice: for thou judgest the people with justice, and directest the nations upon earth. Let the people, O God, confess to thee: let all the people give praise to thee: the earth hath yielded her fruit. May God, our God bless us, may God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him).
The two-line illuminated “B” begins Daniel 3:57: “Benedicite…”
Angers was the cradle of the Plantagenet dynasty and one of the intellectual centers of Europe during the reign of Rene of Anjou, (1434-80). When this leaf was scribed the two branches of the Plantagenet dynasty, House of Lancaster & House of York, were engaged in the War of the Roses
An attractive example of medieval craft and artistry. Excellent condition, with well known text.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
