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’’)
One three-line illuminated initial in blue with delicate white penwork with an floral motif in blue and red on a burnished gold ground; recto has burnished gold, red and blue bar on left along text with blue flower at top and red at bottom; burnished gold bar along text on right; text surrounded by rinceaux border (recto) and ¼ (verso) in red, blue, green, pink and burnished gold
France, Loire Valley (Angers?), c. 1440-50.
The three-line illuminated “I” begins the First Gospel Lesson – John 1: 1-14: “In principio…” (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh in to this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God to them that believe in his name. Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
