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 multi-line illuminated initials, nineteen illuminated one-line initials, and two illuminated line-extenders alternating in deep blue with intricate red penwork and burnished gold with intricate blue penwork – many extending into the margin.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1425-1450 Size (each leaf): 6.1 x 4.5 inches, (155 x 114mm)
The two-line illuminated “M” begins Lesson III – Job 10: 8-12: (The nine lessons from Job contain moving readings from Job detailing the trials he endured in his struggle for God’s blessings) “Manus…” (Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me wholly round about…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 22 (King James 23) complete: “Dominus…” (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the sill waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 24 (KJ 25) 1-10: “Ad te…” (To thee, O Lord have I lifted up my soul…).
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
