A Breviary Leaf with beautiful illuminations, c 1475 France

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 Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary.  31 lines written in Latin in double columns with dark brown and red ink on animal vellum.

Seven two-line illuminated initials alternating in red and white or blue and white, six with a floral interior, all on a burnished gold ground extending into the margin with a delicate rinceaux border in red, blue, green, yellow burnished gold; numerous one-line illuminated initials alternating in dark blue with delicate red penwork and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork – many extending into the margins.          

France, c. 1475.

The two-line illuminated “E” begins Psalm 118 (King James 119) 41-48: “Let thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: thy salvation according to thy word. So shall I answer them that reproach me in anything; that I have trusted thy words…). 

The two-line illuminated “M” begins Psalm 118 (KJ 119) 49-56: “Memor…” (Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope…).

The two-line illuminated “B” begins verses 65-72 (skipping verses 57-64):  “Bonitatem…” (Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word…).

The two-line illuminated “M” continues verses 73-80: “Manus…” (Thy hands have made me and formed me: give me understanding and I will learn thy commandments. They that fear thee shall see me, and shall be glad: because I have greatly hoped in thy words…).

In the lower margin is text, added later, for Psalm 118 (King James 119) 57-64 with spaces left for illuminated initials.  Text written above the addition excludes that portion of the Psalm. The addition begins: “[P]orcio…” (O Lord, my portion, I have said, I would keep thy law…The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy justifications). 

Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11921
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