Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Dutch with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) in red. (148 x 100mm – 5 ¾ x 4’’)
One four-line illuminated initial in burnished gold with pink and white interior on a blue ground with white penwork; two-two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on pink and blue ground; illuminated bar flanks verso text along left margin in burnished gold; top and bottom recto margins are illuminated in a graceful floral and vine design in burnished gold, red, green and blue.
Netherlands, c. 1475
The four-line illuminated “G” begins the Salve Regina: “Ghegruet…” (Hail holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary).
The Dutch (Low Countries) were the first to break the tradition of using Latin in Prayer Books and Books of Hours. In England, France and Italy, Latin continued to be the primary liturgical language throughout the 1400’s.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
