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, eleven one-line illuminated initials, and one illuminated line-extender 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 one-line illuminated “E” continues Psalm 6: 10-11: “Exaudivit…” (The Lord hath heard my supplication: the Lord hath received my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed, and be very much troubled: let them be turned back, and ashamed very speedily).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 7: 1-9: “Domine…” (O Lord my God, in thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion, while there is no one to redeem me, nor to save. O Lord my God, if I have done this thing, if there be iniquity in my hands: If I have rendered to them that repaid me evils, let me deservedly fall empty before my enemies…).
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
