Original leaf from a richly illuminated manuscript Psalter-Prayer-book. 17 & 20 lines of Latin text. Written in unusual gothic cursive script on animal vellum. (165 x 135mm - 6.6 x 5.4")
Two illuminated three-line initials in gold on gray/red ground. Elaborate panel borders with full gold ground strewn with diverse floral motifs – including strawberries (symbol of perfect righteousness).
Verso border depicts an angel with red, green & yellow wings holding a triangle (similar to a walking frame for toddlers).
North Germany, (Hildesheim?) c. 1524. (For sister leaves see The Blackburn Collection of Manuscript Illuminations, Cleveland Museum of Art).
One large miniature of St. Martin (verso) in typical portrayal - opening his cloak with a beggar at his knees – symbolizing charity & hospitality.
The three-line illuminated ''D'' begins ''Deus qui..'' (O God, who perceiveth that we withstand from no virtue of ours, grant graciously that by the intercession of blessed Martin thy confessor & bishop we may be fortified against all adversities…).
The large miniature (recto) depicts St. Sebastian holding his attribute - an arrow.
This highly personalized prayer-book was written & illuminated in Germany, as evidenced by the painted Arms of Mansfeld (prominent North German family) on a leaf, & inclusion of St. Godehard (d. 1038), bishop of Hildesheim, portrayed as a miniature on another leaf. The date 1524 occurs in two locations in the prayer-book.
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.
