Medieval Book of Hours Leaf c 1460 - Hours Holy Spirit

$0.00

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. (162 x 125mm – 6 3/8 x 5’’) 

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;  ten one-line illuminated initials alternating in deep blue with delicate red penwork, and burnished gold with delicate violet penwork.                                                       

Northern France (Paris), c 1460.

This leaf continues the Hours of the Holy Spirit. The one-line illuminated “D” begins the Hour of Prime: “Deus in…” (Incline unto my aid O God).

The second illuminated “D” begins the hymn:  “De virgine…” (Christ our Savior was born of Mary blessed maid who crucified was, and dead and in sepulcher laid: Rising to his disciples he showed himself anew: And was to the heavens high assumpted in their view).

The two-line illuminated “S” begins the hymn:  “Sanctum Suum…” (God his Holy Spirit sent to his Apostles dear, On the day of Pentecost to yield them gladsome cheer, And with fiery tongues in them did ardent zeal impress: By no means could he endure to leave them comfortless).  

The next two-line illuminated “S” begins the hymn:  “Septiformem…” (Then did they the sevenfold grace abundantly receive, Whereupon all languages they fully did perceive. To the world’s sundry coasts they then departed all: And did preach the Christian faith which Catholic we call).

The last two-line illuminated “S” begins the hymn: “Spiritus…” (Called it was the Holy Spirit that comfort thus did bring, The gift of God, Charity and reviving spring, The unction spiritual, and eke the fire that flames, Sevenfold grace, precious gift, so called by many names). 

Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat

  • Inventory# IM-11510
Sold Out