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. (175 x 120mm – 6 7/8 x 4 ¾’’)
France, c. 1450-75.
One three-line illuminated initial in blue with white tracery on a burnished gold ground with an interior floral design in burgundy and white; three two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork; three one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and red. Gold and blue bars extend along the left side of the text (verso) and an elegant three-quarter rinceaux panel border decoration consists of burnished gold ivy leaves and a floral motif in tempera colors of red, blue, green, and purple.
The two-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus qui apostolic…” (O God, who gavest the Holy Spirit to thine Apostles, grant the people the fruit of their loving petition, that on those to whom thou hast given faith, thou mayest also bestow peace).
The three-line illuminated “D” begins: “Deus in adiutorium…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me…).
The two-line illuminated “A” opens Psalm 120 (King James 121): “Ad te levavi oculos” (I have lifted up my eyes).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience, which could both appreciate and afford them.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
