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 three-line illuminated initial and one two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold alternating with an interior of pine/blue with white penwork all on a deep blue/pink ground with white penwork – extending into the margin top and bottom with a delicate floral design in burnished gold, red, green and brown; four one-line illuminated initials alternating in gold and blue.
England, c. 1440 (likely Syon Abbey, by a member of the Brigittine Order).
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.
This leaf continues the Prayers of St. Bridget (or The Fifteen Oos). The fifteen prayers were for a long time attributed to St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-73) and foundress of Brigittines. Today they are considered to have been composed in the 15th century by English mystics of the Brigittine order. The prayers are a tender meditation on Christ’s passion and death and were very popular during the Middle Ages.
Line two continues Tenth Prayer: “Propter latitudinem…” (In consideration of the length & breadth of Thy Wounds, teach me, who art drowned in sin, to keep through pure love Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Our Father. Hail Mary).
The two-line illuminated “O” begins Eleventh Prayer: “O jesu…” (O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, on account of the depths of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones & Thy being, draw me, who is immersed in sin, out of my sins & to hide me in Thy Wounds away from the face of Thy wrath until Thy anger shall have passed. Amen. Our Father. Hail Mary).
The three-line illuminated “O” begins the Twelfth Prayer: “O jesu…” (O Jesu! Mirror of Truth, symbol of unity, bond of Charity,..).
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.
A nice example of a very scarce manuscript. In good antiquarian condition with devotional wear and an unobtrusive cut without loss in the text.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
