Original leaf from an unusually large medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. (240x170mm – 9 ½ X 6 5/8’’)
One illuminated two-line initial in blue on a burnished gold ground and with a floral interior in blue, orange and white. Nine illuminated one-line initials and eleven illuminated line-extenders in burnished gold on red and blue ground. Exceptional full rinceaux border (verso) with an intricate floral motif containing strawberries (symbol of perfect righteousness) in blue, white, red, green, liquid and burnished gold!!
France: Paris, c. 1435-50
The one-line illuminated “T” begins Psalm 6: 8-11: “Turbatus…” (My eye is troubled through indignation...).
The two-line illuminated "B" begins Psalm 31 (King James 32) 1-5: "Beati..." (Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in shoes spirit there is no guile…).
Previously in the collection Otto F. Ege - Dean of the Cleveland Institute of Art & Lecturer on History of the Book in the School of Library Science, Western Reserve University.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
Reference: Ege Gwara HL210 and DeRicci Census: Ege # 40.
