Original leaf from a medieval illuminated manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines of hand-ruled text written in Latin with dark brown ink in fine Gothic script on animal vellum.
Beautifully embellished with a two-line illuminated initial in liquid gold on red ground with red penwork and a floral design into the margin in green, blue and gold; five one-line illuminated initials in liquid gold on alternating red and blue ground.
Origin: Flanders, circa 1475.
Size: 90 x 67mm – 3 ½ x 2 5/8 inches, from a diminutive manuscript likely written for a lady.
The one-line illuminated “B” continues the hymn Quem terra, pontus, aethera: “Beata…” (Blest, in the message Gabriel brought; blest, by the work the Spirit wrought; from whom the great Desire of earth took human flesh and human birth. All honor, laud, and glory be, o Jesu Virgin-born, to Thee, whom with the Father we adore, and Holy Ghost for evermore. Amen).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 8: 1-4: “Domine…” (O Lord our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth! For thy magnificence is elevated above the heavens. Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies, that thou mayst destroy the enemy and the avenger…).
Shipped unmatted
