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, four one-line illuminated initials, and two illuminated line extenders 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 “M” begins: “Mentibus…” Into our minds, we beseech, Lord, benignly pour forth the Holy Ghost: of Whose wisdom we were created, and by Whose providence we are governed).
The two-line illuminated “P” begins: “Protege…” (Protect, O Lord, thy servants with thine armies of peace: and make those who trust in the patronage of the Blessed Mary, ever virgin: secure against all enemies).
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 “D” begins the Hours of the Cross – Hour of None: “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God…).
The two-line illuminated “H” begins: “ Hora…” (Jesus Lord at the ninth hour his spirit forth did send: Crying Eli and his soul to father did comment: With a lance a soldier did pierce through his tender side: The earth then trembled and the sun his shining light did hide).
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
