Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of text, ruled in red, written in Latin with dark brown and red ink in gothic script on animal vellum. (106 x 82mm – 4 3/16 x 3 ¼’’)
Three two-line illuminated initials in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork extending into the margins with delicate burnished gold leaves; eight one-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue with delicate red penwork, and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.
Northern France or French Flanders, c. 1450-70.
The first one-line illuminated “L” continues Psalm 150: 2-6: “Laudate eum…” (Praise ye him for his mighty acts: praise ye him according to the multitude of his greatness. Praise him with sound of trumpet: praise him with psaltery and harp. Praise him with timbrel and choir: praise him with strings and organs. Praise him on high sounding cymbals: praise him on cymbals of joy: let every spirit praise the Lord).
The two-line illuminated “V” begins Canticle of Canticles (Song of Solomon) 6:8: “Viderunt…” (The daughters saw her, and declared her most blessed: the queens and concubines, and they praised her).
The two-line illuminated “O” begins the hymn O Gloriosa Domina: (O heavens glorious mistress, enthron'd above the starry sky! thou feedest with thy sacred breast thy own Creator, Lord most high. What man had lost in hapless Eve, thy sacred womb to man restores, thou to the wretched here beneath hast open'd Heaven's eternal doors. Hail, O refulgent Hall of light! Hail Gate august of Heaven's high King! Through thee redeem'd to endless life, thy praise let all the nations sing).
The two-line illuminated “B” opens the Canticle of Zachary – Luke 1:68: “Benedictus…” (Blessed be the Lord God).
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
