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.
Three multi-line illuminated initials, thirteen one-line illuminated initials, three illuminated paraphs, and two illuminated line extenders alternating in burnished gold with blue penwork and blue with red penwork – many extending into the margins.
Origin: Paris, France circa 1425-1450 Size (each leaf): 6.1 x 4.5 inches, (155 x 114mm)
The two-line illuminated “R” begins the hymn: “Rerum deus…” (O Strength and Stay upholding all creation Who ever dost Thyself unmoved abide, yet day by day the light in due gradation from hour to hour though all its changes guide; Grant to life's day a calm unclouded ending, an eve untouched by shadows of decay…).
The two-line illuminated “M” begins Psalm 118 (King James 119) 129-136: “Mirabilia…” (Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul hath sought them…).
The multi-line illuminated “I” continues verses 137-138: “Iustus…” (Thou art just, O Lord: and thy judgment is right…).
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
