Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 15 lines of red-ruled Latin text, in dark brown ink, on animal vellum. (197 x 138mm - 7 3/4 x 5 1/2'')
Four two-line illuminated initials in blue or pink with delicate white penwork & an interior floral design in red and blue on a burnished gold ground and extending into the margin in a delicate rinceaux design; four one-line illuminated initials & three illuminated line-extenders in burnished gold on red & blue ground with delicate white penwork.
The text is surrounded on 3 sides with an elegant rinceaux panel border in a delicate floral motif (including strawberries - symbol of perfect righteousness) with ivy leaves in red, blue, green, orange & burnished gold; an illuminated bar extends beyond the length of the text in red, blue & burnished gold.
Northern France (Paris), c. 1420-40.
The two-line illuminated ''D" begins The Hour of Matins - Hours of the Holy Spirit: "Deus..." (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).
The two-line illuminated "N" begins the Hymn: "Nobis...'' (The grace of the Holy Spirit free unto us befall: Wherewith was overshadowed the maid of maidens all. When the angel Gabriel his salutation said, The Word itself flesh became and virgin fruitful made.).
The two-line illuminated "O" begins the prayer: "Omnipotens..." (Almighty and everlasting God, grant us the grace of the Holy Spirit which you bestowed upon Your disciples on the holy day of Pentecost).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
