Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 13 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine lettre bâtarde script on animal vellum with rubrics in red.
Two two-line illuminated initials, one one-line illuminated initial and one illuminated line-extender in burnished gold on a red and blue ground.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1500.
Size: 110 x 75mm – 4.25 x 2.9 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.
This leaf continues the section of Suffrages - prayers to saints who were considered the protectors, helpers and guardians of medieval people. The two-line illuminated “O” begins the prayer to St. Apollonia: “Omnipotens…” (Almighty and eternal God…).
The two-line illuminated “I” begins the section of the Seven Verses of St. Bernard of Clairvaux: “Illumina…” (Enlighten my eyes that I never sleep in death: lest at any time y enemy say: I have prevailed against him).
The one-line illuminated “L” begins: “Locutus…” (I spoke with my tongue…).
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
