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).
Two two-line illuminated initial in pink with delicate white penwork & an interior floral design in red, orange and blue on a burnished gold ground - one extending into margin with floral rinceaux design in blue, red and burnished gold; eight one-line illuminated initials & seven 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 with ivy leaves in red, blue, green, orange & burnished gold, and one illuminated bar extends beyond the length of the text in red, blue & burnished gold.
Northern France (Paris), c. 1420-40.
The writing in the margin was added by an owner and is from Matthew 25:20: ''Domine...'' (Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents).
The one-line illuminated "G" begins the Glory Be: ''Gloria...'' (Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit...).
The two-line illuminated ''V'' begins the hymn: ''Veni...'' (''Veni...'' (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. Remember, O Creator Lord, that in the Virgin's sacred womb Thou wast conceived, and of her flesh didst our mortality assume...).
The two-line illuminated ''A'' begins Psalm 119 (King James 120) 1-4: ''Ad...'' (In my trouble I cried to the Lord: and he heard me...).
Shipped with archival 14x11'' mat.