Original leaf from a French medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with black ink in fine bold gothic textura script on animal vellum with rubrics in red.
One two-line illuminated initial and seventeen one-line illuminated initials alternating in burnished gold with blue penwork and blue with red penwork – many extending into the margins.
Origin: Paris, France - circa 1425-1450 Size: 6.1 x 4.5 inches, (155 x 114mm)
The two-line illuminated “C” begins Psalm 149 complete: “Cantate domino…” (Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: let his praise be in the church of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king. Let them praise his name in choir: let them sing to him with the timbrel and psaltery. For the Lord is well pleased with this people: and he will exalt the meek unto salvation. The saints shall rejoice in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds. The high praises of god shall be in their mouth: and two-edged swords in their hands: To execute vengeance upon the nations, chastisements among the people: To bind their kings with fetters, and their nobles with manacles of iron. To execute upon them the judgment that is written: this glory is to all his saints. Alleluia).
Provenance: Written for the Use of Paris – Rare inclusion of St. Bruno in the Litany indicates possible ownership by a monk of the Carthusian Monastery of Vauvert (Order of St Bruno), Paris (established 1257, dissolved 1792).
Shiped unmatted
