Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines of ruled text, written in Latin with dark brown ink & red rubrics in lettre batarde script on animal vellum. (133 x 90mm – 5 ¼ x 3 ½’’)
One three-line illuminated initial, one two-line illuminated initial in deep blue and white on a sepia ground with delicate gold penwork; two one-line illuminated initials alternating in blue and white, and red and white on a sepia ground with delicate gold penwork; text surrounded on three sides by a burnished gold bar.
Delicate rinceaux border (recto) in red, blue, brown and green with burnished and brushed gold. Within the border is a bird resting on a branch in the lower margin!
France (Paris?), c. 1485
This leaf begins the Hours of the Cross – Hour of Matins. The three-line illuminated “D” begins: “Domine…” (Thou O Lord wilt open my lips. And my mouth shall declare thy praise. Incline unto my aid O God. O Lord make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end, amen).
The two-line illuminated “P” begins the hymn: “Patris…” (The wisdom of the Father, and truth divine beside, God and man surprised was even at the morning tide: His known disciples left him for to follow more: Sold and betrayed to the Jews they did afflict him sore. We adore thee O Christ, and we bless thee).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
