Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red-ruled Latin text, in dark brown ink, on animal vellum. (197 x 138 mm - 7.9 x 5.5")
One two-line illuminated initial in blue with delicate white penwork & an interior floral design in red and blue on a burnished gold ground and extending into the margin in a delicate rinceaux design; nine one-line illuminated initials & seven illuminated line-extenders in burnished gold on red & blue ground with delicate white penwork.
Northern France (Paris), c. 1420-40.
The text is surrounded on 3 sides with an elegant rinceaux panel border in a delicate floral motif with ivy leaves (including a strawberry - symbol of perfect righteousness) in red, blue, green, orange & burnished gold; an illuminated bar extends beyond the length of the text in red, blue & burnished gold.
The one-line illuminated ''B'' begins Psalm 50 (King James 51) 20-21: "Benigne...'' (Deal favorably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice...).
The two-line illuminated "T" begins Psalm 64 (KJ 65) 1-7: "Te decet..." ( A hymn, O God, becometh thee in Sion: and a vow shall be paid to thee in Jerusalem. O Hear my prayer: all flesh shall come to thee. The words of the wicked have prevailed over us: and thou wilt pardon our transgressions. Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken to thee: he shall dwell in thy courts...).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
