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’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on a red and blue ground with delicate white penwork extending into the margins with delicate burnished gold leaves; eleven 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 two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 147 complete (King James 147: 12-20): “Lauda Ierusalem…” (Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion. Because he hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates, he hath blessed thy children with thee. Who hath placed peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the fat of corn. Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth: his word runneth swiftly. Who giveth snow like wool: scattereth mists like ashes. He sendeth his crystal like morsels: who shall stand before the face of his cold? He shall send out his word, and shall melt them: his wind shall blow, and the waters shall run. Who declareth his word to Jacob: his justices and his judgments to Israel. He hath not done in like manner to every nation: and his judgments he hath not made manifest to them).
Presented in an archival 14 x 11'' mat
