Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 13 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine lettre bâtarde script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. Two two-line illuminated initials, seven one-line illuminated initials and illuminated line-extenders in burnished gold on a red and blue ground; ¼ border (recto & verso)are in a colorful floral design (including columbines – symbol of the Holy Spirit) on liquid gold ground.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1500.
Size: 110 x 75mm – 4.25 x 2.9 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.
The two-line illuminated “I” begins Psalm 99 (King James 100) complete “Iubilate deo…” (Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy. Know ye that the Lord he is God: he made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Go ye into his gates with praise, into his courts with hymns: and give glory to him. Praise ye his name: for the Lord is sweet, his mercy endureth forever, and his truth to generation and generation).
The two-line illuminated “D” opens Psalm 62 (KJ 63): “Deus deus meus..” (O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day…).
Provenance: ex-collection of Brooklyn Museum of Art, acquired in 1919. Deaccessioned and sold to support the museum collection.
Shipped unmatted
