Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 14 lines of Latin gothic textura script in dark brown and red ink on animal vellum. (180 x 125 mm - 7.2 x 5")
One illuminated two-line initial seven illuminated one-line initials and seven line-extenders in burnished gold on a red & blue ground with delicate white tracery. Delicate rinceaux border in burnished gold, red, pink, green and blue.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450.
The one-line illuminated ''V'' begins Psalm 64 (King James 65) 10-14: ''Visitasti...'' (Thou hast visited the earth, and hast plentifully watered it; thou hast many ways enriched it. The river of God is filled with water, thou hast prepared their food: for so is its preparation. Fill up plentifully the streams thereof, multiply its fruits; it shall spring up and rejoice in its showers. Thou shalt bless the crown of the year of thy goodness: and thy fields shall be filled with plenty...).
The two-line illuminated ''E'' begins Isaiah 40:10: ''Ego..'' Be comforted saith your God...).
Books of Hours are personal prayer books of a devout and status-conscious society and are not only works of art, but cultural documents of their time. They reveal a unique combination of sacred and secular imagery - made of the finest materials, by the best craftsmen, for a small audience that could both appreciate and afford them.
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
