Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink in precise and elegant lettre batarde script on animal vellum with rubrics in red. (155x90mm – 6 x 3.5’’)
Two two-line illuminated initials, ten one-line illuminated initials and nine illuminated line extenders in gold on alternating red and blue ground with delicate gold penwork.
Northern France, c. 1470.
The two-line illuminated “V” begins the hymn Veni Creator: “Venio creator…” (Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made).
The one-line illuminated “M” begins the hymn Memento Salutis Auctor: “Memento…” (Remember, O Creator Lord, that in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh didst our mortality assume. Mother of grace, O Mary blest, to thee, sweet fount of love, we fly; shield us through life, and take us hence to thy dear bosom when we die. O Jesu! born of Mary bright! Immortal glory be to Thee; praise to the Father infinite, and Holy Ghost eternally. Amen).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 122 (King James 123) complete: “Ad te…” (To thee have I lifted up my eyes, who dwellest in heaven. Behold as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, As the eye of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress: so are our eyes unto the Lord our God,..).
Shipped unmatted
