Original leaf from a manuscript Book of Hours. 24 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin in an elegant angular gothic book-hand script on animal vellum; rubrics in red. (178 x 125mm – 7 x 5’’)
Two two-line illuminated initials, seventeen one-line illuminated initials and ten illuminated line-extenders in gold on red or blue ground.
France: Rouen, (Use of Rouen) c. 1470-90.
Unusual vibrant and elaborate panel borders on recto and verso in colorful floral and geometric motif in red, green, blue and white on gold ground.
The one-line illuminated “T” begins Psalm 95 (King James 96) 12-13: “Tunc…” (Then shall all the trees of the woods rejoice before the face of the Lord, because he cometh: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with his truth).
The two-line illuminated “D” begins Psalm 96 (KJ 97) complete: “Dominus…” (The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne. A fire shall go before him, and shall burn his enemies round about. His lightnings have shown forth to the world: the earth saw and trembled. The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth. The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory…).
The two-line illuminated “C” opens Psalm 97 (KJ 98): “Cantata…” (Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle because he hath done wonderful things…).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat