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, thirteen one-line illuminated initials, and two line-extenders alternating in deep blue with red penwork and burnished gold with blue penwork – many extending into the margins.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1425-1450 Size: 6.1 x 4.5 inches, (155 x 114mm)
The one-line illuminated “R” continues Psalm 21 (King James 22) 28-32: “Reminiscentur…” (All the ends of the earth shall remember, and shall be converted to the Lord...).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 22 (King James 23) 1-6: “Dominus est…” (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runeth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…).
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).
Shipped unmatted
