Original continuous bifolium leaves (two leaves – four pages) 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.
Three two-line illuminated initials, twenty-six 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 (each leaf): 6.1 x 4.5 inches, (155 x 114mm)
This is the scarce center pair of leaves from a quire, thus the text is continuous and can be read starting from the recto of the first leaf to the verso, then to the recto of the second leaf and finally to its verso. Scarce: continuous text can only happen on the center bifolium. The two joined leaves impart the feeling and appearance of an open medieval book !
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 66 (King James 67) complete: “Deus…” (May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may he cause the light of his countenance to shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us. That we may know thy way upon earth: thy salvation in all nations. Let people confess to thee, O God: let all people give praise to thee…May God bless us: and all the ends of the earth fear him).
The two-line illuminated “B” begins the complete "Benedicite" (Daniel 3: 57-88; 56) – The Song of 3 Young Men: “Benedicite omnia…” (Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever. Bless the Lord all ye heavens; bless the Lord all ye angels of the Lord. Bless the Lord all ye waters that are above the heavens; let all powers bless the Lord. Bless the Lord, ye sun and moon; stars of heaven, bless the Lord. Bless the Lord, every shower and dew. All ye winds, bless the Lord. Bless the Lord, ye fire and heat; cold and chill, bless ye the Lord…Blessed art Thou, Lord, in the firmament of heaven; and worthy of praise, and glorious above all forever.).
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).
A beautiful example of medieval calligraphy and illumination - in excellent condition and with important content.
Shipped unmatted
