Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 18 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown ink & red rubrics in fine gothic script on animal vellum.(158 x 112mm – 6 ¼ x 4 3/8’’)
Two illuminated two-line initials in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white penwork; fifteen illuminated one-line initials alternating in deep blue with delicate red penwork and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.
Flanders (Use of Sarum), c. 1450 – produced to follow the English rites, for the English market. The Litany of the Saints from this book listed several Saints associated with Britain, including George (patron of Britain), Swithin (Bishop of Westminster), Eusebius (martyred Irish Benedictine), Burinus (Apostle of Wessex), and Julian (early English Martyr).
The one-line illuminated “E” begins Psalm 118 (King James 119) 47-48: “Et meditabar…” (I meditated also on thy commandments, which I love. And I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I love: and I was exercised in thy justifications).
The two-line illuminated “M” continues verses 49-56: “Memor…” (Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope. This hath comforted me in my humiliation: because thy word hath enlivened me…).
The two-line illuminated “P” continues verses 57-63: “Portio…” (O Lord, my portion, I have said, I would keep thy law. I entreated thy face with all my heart: have mercy on me according to thy word…).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
