Medieval Book of Hours Leaf c 1450-70 - Litany of Saints

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (106 x 82mm – 4 3/16 x 3 ¼’’) 

One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork extending into the margins with delicate burnished gold leaves; twenty-three one-line illuminated initials alternating in burnished gold with delicate violet penwork, and deep blue with delicate red penwork.    

Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450-70.

The two-line illuminated "K" begins the Litany of the Saints (first prescribed by Pope Gregory in 590 for a public thanksgiving following a plague that ravaged Rome). “Kyrie eleyson…” (Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us…God the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon us…Holy Trinity one God, have mercy upon us. Holy Mary pray for us. Holy Mother of God, pray for us…Saint Michael…Saint Gabriel…Saint Raphael, pray for us. All ye Holy Angels, and Archangels, pray for us. All ye hold orders of blessed spirits, pray for us. Saint John Baptist, pray for us. All holy Patriarchs, and Prophets, pray for us. Saint Peter…Saint Paul…Saint Andrew…Saint James…Saint John…Saint Thomas…Saint James, pray for us).

Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat

 

  • Inventory# IM-11516
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