Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 17 lines of red-ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. (150 x 110mm – 5 7/8 x 4 3/8’’)
Rubrics (headings) in red. Two illuminated two-line initials, eleven illuminated one-line initials and six illuminated line-extenders in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white tracery. Delicate Rinceaux style panel border of vines and flowers in gold, blue and red. Small hole in vellum beneath last line. Toning throughout from devotional use.
Northern France, c. 1420.
The two-line illuminated “L” begins Psalm 147 1-9 (King James verses 12-20): “Lauda Iherusalem…” (Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion. Because he hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates, he hath blessed thy children within thee. Who hath placed peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the fat of corn. Who giveth snow like wool: scattered mists like ashes. He sendeth his crystal like morsels: who shall stand before the face of his cold…).
The two-line illuminated “A” begins Ecclesiasticus (KJ Sirach) 24:14: “Ab initio et ante…” (From the beginning, and before the world, I was created…).
This leaf was written and illuminated in France at a pivotal point in the Hundred Year’s War - England defeated France decisively in Agincourt in 1415 and took Paris in 1420. Not until Joan of Arc’s heroism (1428-29) could France regain hope of restoring its capital. The book from which this came was likely in daily use at that time
Presented in an archival 14x11'' mat
