Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (190x135mm – 7 5/8 – 5 3/8’’)
Two illuminated two-line initials and eight illuminated one-line initials in gold, on blue & red ground with delicate white tracery. Panel borders contain an intricate ivy-leaf design with flowers and strawberries (symbol of perfect righteousness) in gold, blue, red, orange and green.
Northern France (probably Paris), c. 1425-50.
The illuminated one-line initial “R” begins Psalm 121 (King James 122):6-9: “Rogate que…” (Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee. Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers. For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbors, I spoke peace of thee. Because of the house of the Lord our god, I have sought good things for thee).
The illuminated two-line “A” begins Ecclesiasticus (KJ Sirach) 24:14: “Ab initio…” (From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered before him).
The two-line illuminated “C” begins: “Conce [de] nos famulos…” (Grant us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever Virgin, to be delivered from present sorrows and to enjoy everlasting gladness).
Shipped unmatted