Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine gothic script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. An attractive early leaf in International Gothic style with bold rinceaux floral border decorations!
Size: 183 x 134 mm - 7.25 x 5.25 inches
France, (likely Paris), c. 1375-1400. For sister leaves see Bloomsbury Auction, Roger Martin Collection, 6 Jul 2021, Lot 80 for two bifolia with dragons, including one nearly identical decoration.
Bar borders are in burnished gold, red, and blue with floral border extensions of spiky blue, burnished gold, white & orange leaves. Recto has a wonderful winged dragon in the lower left margin in blue, orange and sepia. One two-line illuminated initial in pink and white with an internal floral design on burnished gold ground; eight one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on blue and pink ground; six illuminated line extenders in blue, orange, pink and burnished gold.
The two-line illuminated “C” begins Psalm 95 (King James 96) 1-5:”Cantate…” (Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name: show forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and exceedingly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods…).
A very attractive and desirable leaf with excellent calligraphy and skillful illumination. In excellent condition, mild rippling to the vellum.
Shipped unmatted
