Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red-ruled text written in Latin, on animal vellum in dark brown ink with rubrics in red. (177x130mm – 7 x 5’’)
Three two-line illuminated initials, four one-line illuminated initials and four line-extenders in burnished gold on pink and blue ground with delicate white tracery. Panel borders are illuminated in a delicate rinceaux floral design in blue, red, green, & burnished gold.
Northern France, c. 1440-50.
This leaf begins the Hours of the Holy Cross – Hour of Compline. The two-line illuminated “C” begins: “Converte nos…” (Convert us O God our Savior. And turn away thy wrath from us. Incline unto my aid O God…).
The two-line illuminated “H” begins: “Hora completorii…” (When as compline was come was laid in his tomb, Christ his body precious the hope of life to come. Embalmed it was: scriptures thus accomplished we see: Still this death to have in mind my care O let it be).
The second two-line illuminated “H” begins: “Has horas…” (These hours canonical with devotion to thee And with godly intention O Christ we address, In the fervor of thy love that hast suffered for me, Comfortable be to me in bitter death’s distress).
Shipped unmatted
