Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines, of red-ruled Latin text written in dark brown ink, in fine gothic script on animal vellum. (170 x 120mm – 6 ¾ x 4 7/8’’)
Two two-line illuminated initials in blue or red with delicate white penwork with an internal floral motif in blue and red on a burnished gold ground; ten one-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a blue and red ground with delicate white penwork; eight illuminated line-extenders in blue, red, white and burnished gold. A thin burnished gold bar runs the length of text on one side, next to a beautiful rinceaux border in red, blue, green, pink and burnished gold
France, Loire Valley (Angers?), c. 1440-50.
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Psalm 119 (King James 120) complete: “Ad dominum…” (In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me. O Lord, deliver my soul from wicked lips, and a deceitful tongue…).
The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 120 (KJ 121) 1-5: “Levavi oculos…” (I have lifted up my eyes to the mountains, from whence help shall come to me. MY help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May he not suffer thy foot to be moved: neither let him slumber that keepeth thee. Behold he shall neither slumber nor sleep, that keepeth Israel. The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord is thy protection…)
Lovely leaf in attractive condition with excellent content - two well known Psalms. the gold and colors are very fresh and bright.
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
