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.
Six two-line illuminated initials, three 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 two-line illuminated “C” begins: “Concede nos…” (Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy servants, may enjoy lasting health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness).
The two-line illuminated “E” begins: “Ecclesiam…” (Make Thy church shine, we ask, O kindly Lord, so that illuminated by the teachings of Blessed John Thy Apostle and Evangelist it may reach thy eternal gifts).
The two-line illuminated “C” begins: “Crucifige…” (At the third hour of the day they crucify Him cry, In a purple robe clad Him more to mock thereby, Piteously His head wads pricked with the crown of thorn, To the place of pain His cross was on His shoulders born).
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
