Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines of ruled text, written in Latin with dark brown ink in lettre batarde script on animal vellum. (133 x 90mm – 5 ¼ x 3 ½’’)
Five 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 Matins. The one-line illuminated “T” begins Psalm 18 (King James 19) 10-15: “Timor…” (The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring forever and ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves. More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. For thy servant keepeth them, and in keeping them there is a great reward. Who can understand sins? From my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: and from those of others spare thy servant. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin. And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight. O Lord, my helper, and my redeemer).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat