Medieval Breviary Leaf - Hymn Veni Creator

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Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Breviary. 18 lines of ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with black ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) & versal initials in red.(123 x 85mm).

Two two-line illuminated initials and numerous one-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue and sepia, and red blue - with the guide letters visible in most.                                         

Northern Germany or Netherlands, c. 1425.

The two-line illuminated ''V'' begins the popular medieval hymn: ''Veni Creator...'' (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. O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High, O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above. Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God's hand we own; Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue. Kindle our sense from above, and make our hearts o'erflow with love; with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply. Far from us drive the foe we dread, and grant us Thy peace instead; so shall we not, with Thee for guide, turn from the path of life aside. Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know; and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest...).

A Breviary is composed of many books (prayers, hymns, psalms...) painstakingly but carefully written by hand, and used by monks and priests to conduct their daily services.  

Shipped in archival 14x11'' mat.

  • Inventory# IM-10985
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