Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (205 x 150mm – 8 x 6’’)
One three-line illuminated initial in red and white - with an interior painting of The Adoration of the Magi on gold ground; two two-line illuminated initials, ten one-line illuminated initials and six illuminated line extenders in gold on a blue and red ground; elaborate rinceaux border (recto) in red, pink, green, gold, blue, liquid & burnished gold.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450-75.
The historiated initial depicts the Adoration of the Magi: The Virgin Mary, wearing blue robes and holding the Christ child is seated in the stable. One king, in red robes, kneels before them while two other kings stand behind him holding gifts.
The three-line historiated initial begins: “Deus in…” (Incline unto my aid O God…).
The two-line illuminated “V” begins the hymn Veni , Creator Spiritus “Veni…” (COME, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. 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 Ghost eternally. Amen).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 122 (King James 123) 1-4: “Ad te…” (To thee have I lifted up my eyes, who dwellest in heaven. Behold as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, As the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress: so are our eyes unto the Lord our God…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
