(95x70mm – 3.75x2.75’’) Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine Italian rotunda book hand script on animal vellum.
Two two-line illuminated initials alternating red and blue, and green, blue, and red on burnished gold ground; four illuminated one-line initials alternating in red with violet penwork, and blue with red penwork; burnished gold bar extends along the text on one side ending in delicate rinceaux floral design with a face within a flower (lower margin - recto) in blue, red, green, orange, and burnished gold.
Italy, c. 1460. This diminutive leaf was undoubtedly designed for a lady.
The one-line illuminated “S” begins: “Sancti dei…” (O all ye saints of God vouchsafe to make intercession for the salvation of us, and of all. Be glad in our Lord, and rejoice ye just. And glory all ye right in heart).
The two-line illuminated “P” begins: “Presta…” (Grant we pray almighty God…).
The two-line illuminated “O” begins: “Omnes…” (O Lord we beseech thee, that all thy saints may everywhere help us: that while we reverently recognize their merits, we may feel their patronages: and grant us thy peace in our times…).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout, status-conscious society. They are both works of art & cultural documents of their time. They are made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them.
Charming leaf with extremely fine calligraphy and ilumination. Tiny hole in blank upper border and residue from previous mount. Otherwise in excellent condition, very clean and fresh, with bold colors and gold.
Shipped unmatted
