Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines, of red-ruled Latin in dark brown ink, written in fine gothic script on animal vellum. (162 x 120mm).
One two-line illuminated initial, seven illuminated one-line initials and three line-extenders in gold on blue and red ground. Rinceaux panel border decoration with burnished gold ivy leaves and a berry and floral motif in red, blue, green and liquid gold.
France, c. 1440-60.
The one-line illuminated ''D'' begins Psalm 50 (King James 51) 15-21: ''Docebo...'' (I will teach the unjust thy ways: and the wicked shall be converted to thee...).
The two-line illuminated ''D'' opens Psalm 142 (KJ 143): ''Domine...'' (Hear, O Lord, my prayer...).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience, which could both appreciate and afford them.
Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.
