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.
One two-line illuminated initials and fifteen 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 one-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 2: 3-13: “Dirumpamus…” (Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us. He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them. Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage. But I am appointed king by him over Sion his holy mountain, preaching his commandment. The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth…).
The two-line illuminated “V” begins Psalm 5:1-5: “Verba…” (Give ear, O Lord, to my words, understand my cry. Hearken to the voice of my prayer, O my King and my God…)
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
