c 1475 Breviary Leaf - Beautifully illuminated letters

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary.  31 lines written in Latin in double columns with dark brown and red ink on animal vellum. (183 x 135mm – 7 3/8 x 5 ¼’’) 

Four two-line illuminated initials alternating in red and white or blue and white, with a floral interior - all on a burnished gold ground extending into the margin with a delicate rinceaux border in red, blue, green, yellow burnished gold; numerous one-line illuminated initials alternating in dark blue with delicate red penwork and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork – many extending into the margins.         

France (Use of Autun), c. 1475.

The one-line illuminated “S” begins Psalm 131 (King James 132) 8-18: “Surge…” (Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified…).

The two-line illuminated “E” begins Psalm 132 (KJ 133) complete: “Ecce…” (Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…).

The next two-line illuminated “E” begins Psalm 133 (KJ 134) complete: “Ecce…” (Behold now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God…).

The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 134 (KJ 135) complete: “Laudate…” (Praise ye the name of the Lord: O you his servants, praise the Lord” You that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise ye the Lord, for the Lord is good: sing ye to his name, for it is sweet…).

The two-line illuminated “C” begins Psalm 135 (KJ 136) 1-5: “Confitemini…” (Praise the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Praise ye the God of gods: for his mercy endureth forever…).  

Provenance: from a Breviary written for the Use of Autun c.1474-75; property of the descendants of Sir William Forbes, 6th Baronet of Pitsligo (1739-1806) from the Library at Fettercairn House, Kincardineshire; sold at Sotheby's London Dec 2016, subsequently dispersed.

Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11926
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