Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 25 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum. (160 x 115mm – 6 ¼ x 4 ½’’)
One Four-line illuminated initial in blue and white with floral infill on gold ground; three two-line illuminated initials in blue and white - two with floral infill, on a gold ground; nineteen illuminated one-line initials and seven illuminated line-extenders in gold on a red or blue ground. Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders in colorful floral and gemstone motif on a rich sable ground.
France: Rouen (Use of Rouen) c. 1490-1510.
Style and execution of the miniature paintings in the parent manuscript are closely related to the Master of the Geneva Latini (see Walter 224 & 233 for examples).
This leaf opens the Hour of the Virgin – Hour of Lauds. The four-line “D” begins: “Deus in…” (Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 92 (King James 93) complete: “Dominus…” (The Lord hath reigned, he is clothed with beauty: the Lord is clothed with strength, and hath girded himself. For he hath established the world which shall not be moved. Thy throne is prepared from of old: thou art from everlasting…).
The two-line illuminated “I” begins Psalm 99 (KJ 100) complete: “Iubilate…” (Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy. Know ye that the Lord he is God: he made us, and not we ourselves…).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 62 (KJ 63) 1-6: “Deus…” (O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
