Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 20 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in middle Dutch with rich black ink, on animal vellum.
Forty one-line illuminated initials alternating in burnished gold & deep blue; Forty illuminated line-extenders alternating in red and blue and burnished gold and blue.
Size: 155 x 110mm – 6 1/8 x 4 3/8 inches
Dutch – from the Diocese of Utrecht, c. 1400-20.
Reference: M. Polkowski, Prayerbook with Geert Groote Hours, MS2626, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland.
This leaf concludes the Litany of the Saints (first prescribed by Pope Gregory in 590 for a public thanksgiving following a plague that ravaged Rome). Among the saints listed are St. Gregory (patron of musicians), Ambrose (patron of beekeepers), Jerome (Patron of librarians), and Augustine (patron of theologians). Notably, among the saints localized to Utrect are Rabboet, Odulf, Willibrord, Adelbert and Liudger.
A striking leaf with every line embellished with bold elegant calligraphy and raised burnished gold - in bright, fresh condition.
Shipped unmatted
