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 and twenty-one illuminated one-line initials, 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 “M” begins the Magnificat – Canticle of the Virgin – Luke 1:46-55: “Magnificat…” (My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. He hath showed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart…).
The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 145 (King James 146) 1-4: “Lauda…” (Praise the Lord, O my soul, in my life I will praise the Lord: I will sing to my God as long as I shall be. Put not your trust in princes: in the children of men, in whom there is no salvation…).
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
