Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines, of red-ruled Latin in dark brown ink, written in fine gothic script on animal vellum (103 x 73mm – 4 x 2 3/8’’) .
One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with white penwork – extending into the margin top and bottom with a delicate floral design in burnished gold, green, blue and brown; seven one-line illuminated initials alternating in gold with violet penwork and blue with red penwork; one illuminated line extender in red and blue.
England, c. 1440 (likely Syon Abbey, by a member of the Bridgettine Order).
This leaf continues Psalm 22 (King James 23) 5-6: “ In conspectus meo…” (Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 23 (KJ 24) 1-4: “Domini est terra…” (The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend in to the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place? The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor…).
English manuscript Books of Hours are very uncommon. In 1533 Henry VIII decreed that books relating to the practices of the Church of Rome should be destroyed. Most of the remaining examples were held secretly in private hands.
The Bridgettine (or Brigittine) Order was a monastic religious order of Augustinian nuns. The Bridgettine monastery of Syon Abbey, Ipswich, Middlesex was founded and royally endowed by Henry V in 1415 and became one of the richest and most influential religious communities in England until its dissolution under Henry VIII.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
