Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 16 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. (183 x 138mm – 7 ¼ x 5 3/8’’)
One exceptional illuminated five-line initial in burnished gold on a blue and red ground with delicate penwork extending along the length of the text in the margin with a burnished gold bar with the bar ending top and bottom with an elegant rinceaux design with vines and berries in burnished gold; two illuminated two-line initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork; eight illuminated one-line initials alternating in deep blue with delicate red penwork and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.
Northern France (probably Paris), c. 1440.
The large illuminated ''D'' begins the Hours of the Virgin - Hour of Prime “Deus…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father…).
The illuminated “M” begins the hymn: “Memento Salutis…” (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 Spirit eternally. Amen).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 53 (King James 54) 1-8: “Deus in nomine…” (Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy strength. O God hear my prayer: give ear to the words of my mouth…For behold God is my helper: and the Lord is the protector of my soul…).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
