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.
Two two-line illuminated initials, eleven illuminated one-line initials, and one illuminated line-extender 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 : 6.1 x 4.5 inches, (155 x 114mm)
The two-line illuminated “B” begins Psalm 1 – complete: “Beati…” (Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence. But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper…For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish).
The two-line illuminated “Q” begins Psalm 2: 1-2 “Quare…” (Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devise vain things…).
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
