Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines of ruled text, written in Latin with dark brown ink & red rubrics in lettre batarde script on animal vellum. (133 x 90mm – 5 ¼ x 3 ½’’)
Three two-line illuminated initials in deep blue and white on a sepia ground with delicate gold penwork; three one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and white, and red and white on a sepia ground with delicate gold penwork.
France (Paris?), c. 1485
This leaf continues the Hours of the Virgin – Hour of Compline. The two-line illuminated “M” begins the hymn Memento Salutis Auctor (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 “E” begins Ecclesiasticus (King James Sirach) 24:24: “Ego mater…” (I am the mother of beautiful love, and of fear, and of greatness, and of holy hope).
The two-line illuminated “N” begins the Canticle of Simeon – Luke 2:29-30: “Nunc…” (Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace. Because my eyes have seen thy salvation).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
