Original leaves from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours – Three continuous leaves – six pages. 18 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink & red rubrics in fine gothic script on animal vellum.(Each: 158 x 112mm – 6 ¼ x 4 3/8’’) Unusual : Though these were three sequential leaves in the original manuscript, they are the work of three different scribes !
Two two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork.
Flanders (Use of Sarum), c. 1450 – produced to follow the English rites, for the English market. The Litany of the Saints from this book listed several Saints associated with Britain, including George (patron of Britain), Swithin (Bishop of Westminster), Eusebius (martyred Irish Benedictine), Burinus (Apostle of Wessex), and Julian (early English Martyr).
These leaves begin with two prayers, followed by the entire text of “The Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary” written in a different hand, and concludes with a devotional prayer by a third scribe for St. Gabriel the Archangel.
The illuminated “F” begins “Fidelium…” (O God, the Creator and redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy departed servants the remission of all their sins…).
The illuminated “P” begins the Prayer Of Thy Tender Mercies “Pietate…” (Of Thy tender mercy, we beseech Thee, O Lord, loose the bonds of our sins…).
The complete Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary begins next: “Gaude flore virginali…” (Rejoice in the virginal flower, and special honor, surpassing the magnificent leader of the angels and the host of saints adorned with worthiness/ rejoice, dear bride of God, for as the bright light of day is given by the lamp of the sun, so you truly make the circle of your peace shine in the fullness of light…).
Following the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary and written in the same hand is the prayer: “O sponsa dei…” (O chosen mother of God, Mother of our blessed Jesus Christ, Be to us the right path to eternal joy, where peace is glory, and hear us always with a compassionate ear…).
The final page notes where two illuminated initials were to be inserted and begins a prayer (written by the third scribe) of devotion for St. Gabriel the Archangel: “Gabriel…” (O Gabriel the Archangel, strength of God…).
Shipped unmatted
